tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14320496436121681912024-02-19T08:22:39.161+05:00INNDEVCOMInnovation Development CommunicationAJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-8016275237010845302023-12-24T22:00:00.001+05:002023-12-24T22:00:27.954+05:00Celebrating Ten Years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor<p> </p><header style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="mt6 relative" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-top: 3.2rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-cover-image__wrapper" style="align-items: center; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; justify-content: center; margin: 0px auto; max-height: 405px; max-width: 720px; overflow: hidden; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><img alt="Celebrating Ten Years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" class="reader-cover-image__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember38" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGsKLV3UwF9EQ/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1703432813538?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=tvMIcTFmlpE1ykzA7qn9X9kf8LoWyyhYnV69W1YvRrw" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div><figcaption class="reader-cover-image__caption" itemprop="caption" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); font-size: var(--font-size-xsmall); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: var(--spacing-one-x); max-width: 720px; padding: 0 var(--spacing-two-x); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Celebrating Ten Years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</figcaption></figure><h1 class="text-display-large-bold pt6" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.2; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-large); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--line-height-default); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding-top: 3.2rem !important; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span data-scaffold-immersive-reader-title="" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Celebrating Ten Years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.<br /></span><br />The original article was written by<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="ember-view" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir/" id="ember50" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Amir Jahangir</a><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">for the</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://issi.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Pivot_Magazine_Oct_2023.pdf" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Pivot Magazine</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">.</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></h1></header><div class="relative reader__grid mt6" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); float: none; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 3.2rem !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div data-scaffold-immersive-reader-content="" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-article-content reader-article-content--content-blocks" dir="ltr" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--resize" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="https://issi.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Pivot_Magazine_Oct_2023.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_blank"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember51" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFaRWIxIGtFsQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1703434011368?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=8X4mk_Co_DlN8jZ0fi91OU23WS-otHtNgx1Y-oPE7t0" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); display: block; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></div></div></a><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--resize" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><br /></figcaption></figure></div>The PIVOT MAGAZINE: </figcaption></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--resize" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">https://issi.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Pivot_Magazine_Oct_2023.pdf</figcaption></figure></div><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember52" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is one of the world’s foremost, most massive infrastructure and investment initiatives launched by China in 2013 to promote connectivity and economic development across Asia, Europe, and Africa. The initiative involves the construction of transportation networks, energy pipelines, and telecommunications infrastructure to facilitate trade and investment between China and other countries.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--resize" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember53" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFT0b74CpPr3Q/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1703434137898?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=MxeiDIQmYqHy1ZC6fVNZ53tHOcYgx5WmmSwk4zYqz90" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); display: block; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember55" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The BRI promotes cooperation by encouraging countries to work together on infrastructure projects that will connect them to China and other participating countries, creating a network of economic and trade relationships that will benefit every state involved. It seeks to create a shared vision of the future that is based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember56" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">In 2013, the governments of China and Pakistan embarked on an ambitious and transformative journey to strengthen their economic ties and create new opportunities for both countries. The two nations are reaping the benefits of cooperation, growth, and prosperity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember58" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project within China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and holds significant importance for both China and Pakistan. The CPEC is a collection of infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, industrial zones, pipelines, and power plants, which aims at improving connectivity and economic integration between the two countries and even further.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember58" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">The estimated investment for CPEC projects is around $62 billion. The significance of the CPEC in the BRI can be understood by the fact that CPEC provides China with a direct and shorter route to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Gwadar Port in Pakistan. This alternative route bypasses the Strait of Malacca, which is a potential chokepoint for China’s energy imports and trade. The strategic location of the CPEC enhances China’s energy security and reduces its vulnerability to potential maritime disruptions.</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember62" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The inclusion of CPEC on the BRI map highlights the critical role Pakistan has to play as a partner country in connecting the Silk Road Economic Belt of the BRI. This trans-continental passage links China with South East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe by land, as well as the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, a sea route that connects China’s coastal regions with South-East and South Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Africa, extending to Europe. Thus, Pakistan, through CPEC, assumes a central and pivotal role in the BRI network, where it connects the belt with the road network.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember63" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">CPEC is the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious global development strategy launched by China to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure projects. The CPEC aims to bolster Pakistan’s economy by improving its infrastructure and energy sector, with a total investment of over $62 billion. CPEC is expected to contribute around 2-2.5% to Pakistan’s annual GDP growth. Investments in infrastructure, energy, and other sectors could lead to higher economic output and increased productivity.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember64" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Over the past decade, CPEC has seen the completion of several vital transportation projects that have greatly improved the way people and goods move between China and Pakistan. The crown jewel is the 1,300 km long upgraded Karakoram Highway (KKH), which connects China’s Xinjiang region to Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan and serves as the primary transportation artery between the two countries.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember66" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Additionally, under CPEC several new highways, motorways, and railways have been constructed that have significantly reduced travel times, boosted trade, and improved connectivity within Pakistan. Among them, the Multan-Sukkur Motorway, the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train, and the Havelian Dry Port stand out as notable examples of infrastructure development. Before the actualization of CPEC, Pakistan faced an acute energy crisis, with regular power outages severely impacting industries and everyday life. CPEC’s energy projects have made great strides in addressing this issue by adding more than 10,000 MW of power to Pakistan’s national grid. Major power projects include coal-fired power plants like the Sahiwal and Port Qasim plants, hydropower projects like the Karot and Suki Kinari hydropower stations, and renewable energy initiatives like the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and Dawood Wind Power Project. The energy crisis has been largely mitigated because of the construction of these power projects and it has led to, revitalizing industries and improving the quality of life for millions of Pakistanis.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember67" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">CPEC also focuses on the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) which aim at promoting industrial growth, attracting foreign investment, and generating employment opportunities. Nine SEZs have been planned under CPEC, among which Rashakai Dhabeji, Allama Iqbal Industrial City, and Bostan Special Economic Zones are under construction.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember69" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offer various incentives to investors, such as tax holidays, one-window operations, and reduced customs duties, to stimulate industrial growth and create thousands of jobs. The development of the SEZs is expected to spur further economic growth in Pakistan and pave the way for a brighter future.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember70" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Moreover, the Gwadar Port, located in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has emerged as a vital strategic asset under CPEC, serving as a gateway for trade between China, Pakistan, and the rest of the world. The port has seen massive expansion and infrastructure development, including the construction of a new international airport, a free trade zone, and a network of roads connecting it to other parts of Pakistan.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember71" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Gwadar Port will not only bolster Pakistan’s maritime trade but will also play a pivotal role Insight 51 in diversifying its economy and opening up new avenues of growth. Moreover, the port has become a symbol of China-Pakistan friendship, showcasing the power of regional cooperation and mutual development. There are 14 new projects planned under the CPEC Gwadar Development Plan.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember72" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The impact of CPEC goes beyond mere numbers and statistics; it has significantly improved the lives of millions of people in both China and Pakistan. The construction of new roads, railways, and other infrastructure has created thousands of jobs, while trade growth has led to increased economic opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. In addition, the alleviation of Pakistan’s energy crisis has enabled industries to operate more efficiently, fueling economic growth and leading to a higher standard of living. Furthermore, the development of SEZs and Gwadar Port has generated numerous indirect benefits for local communities, such as better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember74" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">While the past ten years have witnessed fairly good progress, CPEC has not been without its challenges. Security concerns, bureaucratic hurdles, and regional geopolitics have occasionally slowed down the pace of development. However, the unwavering commitment of both China and Pakistan to CPEC’s success has ensured that the project remains on track.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember75" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Without a doubt, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has the potential to create a substantial number of jobs for both China and Pakistan over the years. While it is difficult to provide an exact number of jobs that will be created, estimates suggested that CPEC could potentially generate around 2.3 million direct and indirect jobs between 2015 and 2030. This job creation potential stems from the various infrastructure projects, energy initiatives, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) developed under CPEC. Construction and maintenance of transportation networks, power plants, and other infrastructure projects require a large workforce. Additionally, the SEZs are designed to promote industrial growth and attract foreign investment, which would result in more job opportunities.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember77" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Moreover, the development of Gwadar Port and its associated projects, such as the Gwadar Free Trade Zone and Gwadar International Airport, is expected to create numerous employment opportunities in the maritime and logistics sectors.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember78" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">It is essential to note that these estimates are based on the successful implementation of CPEC projects and the ability of both China and Pakistan to overcome challenges such as security concerns, bureaucratic hurdles, and regional geopolitics. If CPEC continues to progress and achieve its goals, it has the potential to contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth in the region.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember79" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">As we look to the future, CPEC has laid the groundwork for sustainable growth and development in both countries. With continued cooperation and determination, there is no doubt that CPEC will continue to be a beacon of hope and prosperity for China, Pakistan, and the entire region.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember80" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has come a long way since its inception ten years ago. Through visionary planning, relentless execution, and strong bilateral cooperation, CPEC has transformed the economic landscape of both countries and positively impacted millions of lives. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let us reflect on the progress achieved and look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future for China, Pakistan, and the world.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember80" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember68" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFXFzmqYFY8dg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1703434557285?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=v6M4enkczw_pWXKVmOH4OWurGxVXFn054R8L1D-pLTw" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">Nine SEZs Under CPEC</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">BRI has given the world a new perspective on cooperation and connectivity by redefining globalization. It has been viewed by some, as a new model of globalization that prioritizes cooperation, connectivity, and shared prosperity, rather than the competition and zero-sum approach of traditional globalization.</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember57" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQETkkAAr8G10w/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1703434228991?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=WzI1B_Klk_pTTdO3_3vNLHSwDlMmtGhZBczEKMls28Q" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); display: block; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">CPEC 2013-2023</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="white-space: pre;"></span>BRI has given the world a new perspective on cooperation and connectivity by redefining globalization. It has been viewed by some, as a new model of globalization that prioritizes cooperation, connectivity, and shared prosperity, rather than the competition and zero-sum approach of traditional globalization.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember61" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQH8aZKg_tSakA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1703434345896?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=Ri2EKws-G_uMEK1PwokhO05o_mp2rY7VRnuGt_Gus1A" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">The Importance of CPEC in the BRI: The Shortest Path to Connect the Road with the Belt Initiatives</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="white-space: pre;"></span>Undoubtedly, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has the potential to create a substantial number of jobs for both China and Pakistan over the years. While it is difficult to provide an exact number of jobs that will be created, estimates suggested that CPEC could potentially generate around 2.3 million direct and indirect jobs between 2015 and 2030.<span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><br /><br /></p><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember73" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFXX01z7A0yrA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1703434742529?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=U49XjIlxewgYaAXecQwyiP8kxZv_ZWvW6HJ6rWe7qqA" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); display: block; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">Gwadar and Its Strategic Importance</span></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><br /><p></p><p style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has come a long way since its inception ten years ago. Through visionary planning, relentless execution, and strong bilateral cooperation, CPEC has transformed the economic landscape of both countries and positively impacted millions of lives. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let us reflect on the progress achieved and look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future for China, Pakistan, and the world.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember81" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQER78rf81dCew/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1703434907770?e=1709164800&v=beta&t=7CotT4ppcI41oRzJVlNxB093z1kMSqV7-n2lbAAe6mQ" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); display: block; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">Amir Jahangir</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p></div></figcaption></figure></div><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember55" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Amir Jahangir</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">, a global competitiveness, risk, and development expert, leads</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/mishal-pakistan/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Mishal Pakistan</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">, the country partner institute of the</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://centres.weforum.org/centre-for-new-economy-and-society/home" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">New Economy and Societies Platform</a><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">at the</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.weforum.org/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">World Economic Forum</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">. As a leading narratologist and an expert on Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy for technology, and governance, he is an alumnus of</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/harvard-law-school/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Harvard Law School</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">’s</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.pon.harvard.edu/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Program on Negotiation (PON)</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">, affiliated with</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/harvard-university/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Harvard University</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">,</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/mit/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">(MIT), and</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/tufts-university/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Tufts University</a><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">since 2008. Jahangir is also an alumnus of the</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-defence-university-islamabad/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">National Defence University Islamabad</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">, Islamabad, and the</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/harvard-kennedy-school-of-government/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">Harvard Kennedy School</a><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">of Government on</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://www.hks.harvard.edu/educational-programs/executive-education/senior-executives-national-and-international-security" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">National and International Security</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">, reachable at</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="mailto:aj@mishal.com.pk" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">aj@mishal.com.pk</a><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">and</span><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><a class="app-aware-link " data-test-app-aware-link="" href="https://twitter.com/amirjahangir" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_self">@amirjahangir</a><span class="white-space-pre" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); white-space: pre !important;"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">on Twitter.</span></p></div></div></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.04788479999999119.109215779881247 55.469759799999991 48.25962462011875 90.626009799999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-22149750287042024952023-09-25T01:01:00.005+05:002023-09-25T01:05:43.967+05:00Partnership for Shared Futures in Food Security.<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);"><span face="-apple-system, system-ui, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica Neue, Fira Sans, Ubuntu, Oxygen, Oxygen Sans, Cantarell, Droid Sans, Apple Color Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Emoji, Segoe UI Symbol, Lucida Grande, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif">Partnership for Shared Futures in Food Security.<br /></span></span></h1><h2 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIkixNfBIfB4fy4xi1p2mrTKjJ608ayOA0G3uWLcRcI-eqLifQnOyVRlOANhERw4zcnnAaMcpQP4qyMoElLqLqriqcoknHV65FGwH_cv8-jxSveCmqg_jP6Ae9XxujpDRH5WUu093zqFK3Xg228uuPuGJn0knb-UbIr-W4YiMvUQsANsuq4GXckiuKA/s1356/Partnership%20for%20Shared%20Futures%20in%20Food%20%20Security.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="1274" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIkixNfBIfB4fy4xi1p2mrTKjJ608ayOA0G3uWLcRcI-eqLifQnOyVRlOANhERw4zcnnAaMcpQP4qyMoElLqLqriqcoknHV65FGwH_cv8-jxSveCmqg_jP6Ae9XxujpDRH5WUu093zqFK3Xg228uuPuGJn0knb-UbIr-W4YiMvUQsANsuq4GXckiuKA/w575-h611/Partnership%20for%20Shared%20Futures%20in%20Food%20%20Security.jpg" width="575" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Pakistan and China Collaborate to Cultivate and Export Chilies Under the CPEC-2.</span></h2><h3 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Partnership Strengthens Agricultural Cooperation Between <a data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ltec-international-agriculture-development/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">LTEC International Agriculture Development CO., LTD</a> and Organic Pakistan (LLP).</span></h3><div class="relative reader__grid mt6" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); float: none; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 3.2rem; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div data-scaffold-immersive-reader-content="" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-article-content reader-article-content--content-blocks" dir="ltr" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1535" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ltec-international-agriculture-development/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">LTEC International Agriculture Development CO., LTD</a> national Agriculture Development Co., Ltd. (LTEC) and Organic Pakistan (LLP) have officially inked a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the chili farming industry in Pakistan.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1536" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">LTEC, a well-established chili farming company operating under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and Organic Pakistan (LLP), Pakistan’s leading company dedicated to sustainable solutions in agriculture, food, health, and environmental security, have joined forces to foster greater collaboration in the agriculture sector.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1537" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQEj5MdCJJwFXA/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1695585000701?e=1701302400&v=beta&t=3y3J18L6-YSBuuaz3tRN4z4tuDLS642y7e3Hs_PxpsM" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1538" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Agreement was signed by Mr. Chen Liyang, Director LTEC and Mr. <a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-nadeem-iqbal-1638b93?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAACqyJsB7hVekbD7drxfpDUkHuO5q6Jt01k" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Muhammad Nadeem Iqbal</a>, Managing Director of Organic Pakistan (LLP), Witnessed by Mr. Chen Changwei, Chairman LTEC. The agreement represents a shared commitment to further develop the chili farming sector in Pakistan. LTEC has been actively engaged in promoting contract-based chili farming in Pakistan, employing advanced production technology under the guidance of Chinese agriculture technicians since 2019. Organic Pakistan (LLP) brings its extensive experience in research and development to pioneer sustainable solutions in agriculture.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1539" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Under the terms of the MOU, both parties will collaborate to promote and develop the chili industry in Pakistan by engaging Pakistani farmers in contract-based chili farming, utilizing advanced production technology supervised by Chinese agriculture experts. This initiative aims to enhance the well-being and livelihoods of Pakistani farmers while bolstering the chili farming sector.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1540" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Organic Pakistan (LLP) will serve as the Senior Strategic Partner for LTEC in Pakistan, actively engaging with Pakistani farmers to encourage them to participate in chili farming contracts, adhering to the specified terms and conditions. Moreover, Organic Pakistan (LLP) will play a pivotal role in negotiating and facilitating contracts between LTEC and the farmers/growers.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1541" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The agreement also involves knowledge sharing between the two parties, exploring Pakistan agricultural and food industry integration development , and a commitment to leveraging media platforms for public diplomacy. This media engagement seeks to portray the positive aspects of China and Pakistan while highlighting segments of society contributing to mutual understanding and cooperation in the fields of agriculture and agro technologies.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1542" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Responsibilities of Organic Pakistan (LLP) include promoting the concept of LTEC contract farming among Pakistani farmers nationwide, expanding chili farming by adding large cultivation acres of land in the first year through various farmers, and providing technical assistance and periodic supervision by qualified personnel for chili crops grown under contract, along with submitting progress reports to LTEC.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1543" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">LTEC's responsibilities encompass offering technical expertise and advanced production technologies for chili cultivation under the supervision of Chinese agriculture experts, recommending chili varieties that meet the needs of the Chinese market, and supplying farmers/growers with suitable seeds tailored to local conditions and requirements. Arranging for the necessary information of advanced machinery, tools, and equipment from China.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1544" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">This historic agreement symbolizes the commitment of both LTEC and Organic Pakistan (LLP) to promote sustainable agriculture in Pakistan and enhance bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1545" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGt6wWaICr1JA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1695585019622?e=1701302400&v=beta&t=YZonAT_Y_t_o28wDnIyqvqAQexhKtsKEmVcA9Sh0OVU" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1546" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">LTEC International Agriculture Development Co., Ltd is a Corporate Chili Farming Company is working in Pakistan since 2019 under the instruction of CPEC on Chili farming. Our company is helping farmers to grow chilies with advanced production technology with the supervision of Chinese Agriculture technicians.</p><p class="ember-view reader-content-blocks__paragraph" id="ember1547" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); pointer-events: all; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Organic Pakistan is Pakistan’s leading company working on improving crop productivity through sustainable and smart agriculture and urban farming practices. Driven by research-based passion, innovation, and progressive consulting, Organic Pakistan’s expertise spans agro-farming, urban edible landscapes, agro-based industrial projects, trading operations, product and brand development, supply chain management, and marketing.</p></div></div></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-81187420182142975942023-08-22T19:59:00.001+05:002023-08-22T20:17:53.752+05:00Global Cooperation Urgently Needed to Govern Risks of Advanced AI, Warns New Report. <p></p><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Global Cooperation Urgently Needed to Govern Risks of Advanced AI, Warns New Report.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"> </b></h1><p></p><h2 style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">World Leaders in Artificial Intelligence Explain Future Possibilities.</span></b></h2><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">A new report by The Millennium Project warns that advanced artificial intelligence systems could emerge sooner than expected, posing unprecedented risks unless prudent governance frameworks are rapidly put in place.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">The report titled <b><i><a href="https://www.millennium-project.org/transition-from-artificial-narrow-to-artificial-general-intelligence-governance/ ">International Governance Issues of the Transition from Artificial Narrow Intelligence to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)</a></i></b> is a distillation of interviews and collected insights from 55 AI experts from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, and Russia on how to regulate AGI—AI that can handle novel situations as well as, or better than humans. Included among these experts are Sam Altman, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="502" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h6hKqqmwn4" width="602" youtube-src-id="1h6hKqqmwn4"></iframe></div><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">AGI could arise in the next few years, representing an “intelligence explosion” that creates AI surpassing human abilities, the report states. Lack of governance could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including existential threats to humanity if such systems are misaligned with human values and interests. The report finds that no existing governance models are adequately prepared to manage the risks and opportunities posed by artificial general intelligence (AGI). It calls for rapid development of a new kind of flexible governance that can match and anticipate the pace of AI change and provide the necessary safeguards while not stifling the promises of an advanced AI.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">"AGI is closer than any time before—the next advance could surpass human intelligence," the report quotes Ilya Sutskever, co-founder of OpenAI. "Alignment with human values is critical but challenging." Ben Goertzel, author of <b><i>AGI Revolution</i></b> added: “It is more about WHO controls the development and use of AGI than a list of ethics.”</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b>Other key findings include:</b></p><ul class="ul1" style="list-style-type: "— ";"><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Because the benefits of AGI are so great in medicine, education, management, and productivity, corporations are racing to be first.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Because AGI will increase political power, governments are racing to be first.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>International cooperation is essential but threatened by competitive tensions among nations and corporations racing for AI supremacy. The shared risks may compel collaboration, but overcoming distrust poses an enormous challenge.</li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Extraordinary enforcement powers may be needed for governance to be trusted and effective globally, potentially including military capabilities.</li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>Although controversial, proposals to limit research and development may be needed to allow time to design and implement management solutions.</li><li class="li3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>The window for developing effective governance is short, demanding unprecedented collaboration.</li></ul><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">"We’re all in this boat together—if it goes badly, we’re all doomed," the report quotes Oxford professor Nick Bostrom.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">The Millennium Project is calling for urgent action to create AGI governance and alignment at national and international levels before advanced AI exceeds humanity's ability to control it safely. “If we don’t get an UN Convention on AGI and a UN AGI Agency to enforce rules, guardrails, auditing, and verification right, then various forms of Artificial Supper Intelligence could emerge beyond our control and not to our liking,” says Jerome Glenn, CEO of The Millennium Project.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">With stakes potentially including human extinction, the report warns we can ill afford delay in mobilizing global cooperation.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXgpk4X5EQnmoEQ4h586b5QIqLu81B9Nd6_33fAUOIBGKggN2sL9Di5-myQYh8XkryCH-hl3NDN9sy8nwVttQlZ6nC7Ag0qTb3zjfD2ZiYmm4f2qC-SRfMAUSv7yCkgT-byjUtOYVlDi3PMyyCXCCjSoV_q3BgicYfRxE5T8RvNZB93_wYSYpuQL2xw/s2250/Jerome%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="2250" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXgpk4X5EQnmoEQ4h586b5QIqLu81B9Nd6_33fAUOIBGKggN2sL9Di5-myQYh8XkryCH-hl3NDN9sy8nwVttQlZ6nC7Ag0qTb3zjfD2ZiYmm4f2qC-SRfMAUSv7yCkgT-byjUtOYVlDi3PMyyCXCCjSoV_q3BgicYfRxE5T8RvNZB93_wYSYpuQL2xw/w640-h360/Jerome%20.png" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="color: #dca10d; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s2" style="color: black;">For the full study, visit <a href="https://www.millennium-project.org/transition-from-artificial-narrow-to-artificial-general-intelligence-governance/"><span class="s3">https://www.millennium-project.org/transition-from-artificial-narrow-to-artificial-general-intelligence-governance/</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">This work was supported by the Dubai Future Foundation and general support from the Future of Life Institute. The Millennium Project is an international participatory think tank with 70 Nodes around the world and three regional networks; it was established in 1996 and has published over 60 futures research projects based on international judgments.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Washington, DC, USA38.9071923 -77.036870710.596958463821153 -112.1931207 67.217426136178844 -41.880620699999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-63985285691929736072023-08-19T12:04:00.001+05:002023-08-19T12:22:59.354+05:00Pakistan Takes a Step Towards Cleaner Energy<p> </p><header style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="mt6 relative" style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-top: 3.2rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-cover-image__wrapper" style="align-items: center; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; justify-content: center; margin: 0px auto; max-height: 405px; max-width: 720px; overflow: hidden; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img alt="Pakistan Takes a Step Towards Cleaner Energy" class="reader-cover-image__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember40" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFhzkjcMxFlrw/article-cover_image-shrink_423_752/0/1692341604708?e=1697673600&v=beta&t=fJNFXcG-oITB8EzI-MOcemJfa1L1J1RvrPKYFVnaT9o" style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); 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border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--line-height-default); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding-top: 3.2rem; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span data-scaffold-immersive-reader-title="" style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Pakistan Takes a Step Towards Cleaner Energy</span></span></h1></header><div class="relative reader__grid mt6" style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; float: none; margin-top: 3.2rem; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); 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margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Pakistan Takes a Step Towards Cleaner Energy by Amir Jahangir</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The original article by <a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAAMSasBEUGfh-dA_Fy13P9NEEYJ67x0xE0" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Amir Jahangir</a> was published in <a href="https://narratives.com.pk/featured/pakistan-takes-a-step-towards-cleaner-energy/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Narratives Magazine.</a></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. A recent article by Amir Jahangir for the Narratives Magazine, that How these impacts pose significant challenges to the country’s agriculture, water resources, and overall socio-economic development.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="https://narratives.com.pk/featured/pakistan-takes-a-step-towards-cleaner-energy/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">https://narratives.com.pk/featured/pakistan-takes-a-step-towards-cleaner-energy/</a></p><blockquote class="reader-text-block__quote" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border-left: .4rem solid var(--color-brand-accent-4); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-brand-accent-4); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding-left: 1.6rem; quotes: var(--artdeco-reset-base-quotes-none); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><blockquote><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">PAKISTAN IS HIGHLY VULNERABLE TO THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, INCLUDING RISING TEMPERATURES, CHANGING PRECIPITATION PATTERNS, AND INCREASED FREQUENCY OF EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS. THESE IMPACTS POSE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES TO THE COUNTRY’S AGRICULTURE, WATER RESOURCES, AND OVERALL SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.</span></blockquote></blockquote><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Each year, Pakistan sees approximately 3.6 to 5 million tonnes of crop residues being burned in fields. This practice not only contributes to air pollution but also exacerbates climate change. By utilizing biomass energy, which is derived from organic materials like crop residues, wood, and animal waste, the country can transition away from carbon-intensive fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable energy source. By channeling biomass energy.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Pakistan has launched an ambitious initiative called the Pakistan Environment Trust (PET), having a project called BioVentures, aimed at harnessing biomass energy to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The initiative is under Net Zero Pakistan (NZP), a project of the Pakistan Environment Trust (PET). This is an initiative of the nonprofit organization’s focus on sustainability, which seeks to establish a national-level biomass supply chain. BioVentures aims to replace the carbon-intensive fossil fuels used in industries with cleaner and more sustainable alternatives.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Pakistan is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These impacts pose significant challenges to the country’s agriculture, water resources, and overall socio-economic development.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">By reducing emissions and improving air-quality through the adoption of biomass energy, BioVentures directly contributes to mitigating climate change. It helps Pakistan in its efforts to achieve its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, which involve reducing emissions, increasing renewable energy capacity, and promoting sustainable development.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Furthermore, the BioVentures project aligns with Pakistan’s broader climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. The country’s Climate Change Policy Framework and the National Climate Change Policy highlight the importance of promoting clean and renewable energy sources to address the challenges posed by climate change. BioVentures, by utilizing biomass energy, supports these policy objectives and contributes to Pakistan’s overall climate change resilience.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">By reducing emissions from biomass burning and promoting sustainable energy practices, Pakistan Environment Trust, not only helps mitigate climate change but also enhances Pakistan’s climate resilience. It provides an opportunity to diversify the country’s energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthen its climate change adaptation efforts.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Pakistan is grappling with pressing climate change challenges, characterized by a complex interplay of contributing factors and far-reaching impacts. Understanding these factors is crucial for devising effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.</p><h3 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span color="var(--color-text)"><span style="font-size: large;">Contributing Factors to Climate Change and Their Impacts:</span></span></h3><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--resize" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" height="640" id="ember52" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQG2uFBQ8T9L8A/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1692341390607?e=1697673600&v=beta&t=kCUSshsBqlvYrIukxrW-3aU550t5odk2AzppdWz2S_Q" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); display: block; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" width="522" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);">Contributing Factors to Climate Change and Their Impacts</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: left; display: flex; float: left; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 50% of the problem, drive global warming, alter precipitation patterns, and accelerate glacier melting, thereby affecting water availability and exacerbating coastal erosion. Deforestation, responsible for 15% of emissions, leads to carbon sink loss and biodiversity depletion. Agriculture, contributing 25%, emits methane from livestock and rice cultivation while also experiencing land degradation and water scarcity. The energy sector, accounting for 20%, is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, raising concerns about air pollution and energy price vulnerability. Industrial processes (10%) emit greenhouse gases and contribute to pollution, while inadequate waste management (5%) leads to methane emissions and environmental contamination.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">This understanding emphasizes the need for targeted actions to tackle these factors and mitigate their impacts on Pakistan’s environment and society. As climate change is a complex issue with many contributing factors, both natural and human-caused. Some of the complex contributing factors to climate change in Pakistan include:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The location of Pakistan: Pakistan is located in a region that is already prone to extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. This makes the country more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The country’s topography: Pakistan is a mountainous country with a diverse range of ecosystems. This makes it difficult to manage the impact of climate change on the environment and human health.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The country’s population: Pakistan has a large and growing population. This puts a strain on the country’s resources and makes it more difficult to adapt to the effects of climate change.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The country’s economy: Pakistan is a developing country with a relatively low per capita income. This makes it difficult for the government to invest in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The country’s political instability: Pakistan has a history of political instability. This makes it difficult to develop and implement long-term climate change policies.</li></ul><p style="font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent);"></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">These are just some of the complex contributing factors to climate change in Pakistan. It is important to note that these factors interact with each other in complex ways, making it difficult to predict the exact impact of climate change on the country.</p><h3 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span color="var(--color-text)"><span style="font-size: large;">Pakistan’s contributing factors to climate change in terms of impact and percentage contribution:</span></span></h3><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember53" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQE9WnshYmSGxQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1692341175687?e=1697673600&v=beta&t=r3SaK7F_4tC4rXXTHQeFLHBEagXxZDnMrGKEnqv70J4" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Pakistan’s contributing factors to climate change in terms of impact and percentage contribution.</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">References:</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ol style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Climate Change Profile of Pakistan: <a href="https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/357876/climate-change-profile-pakistan.pdf" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/357876/climate-change-profile-pakistan.pdf</a></span></li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Global Warming in Pakistan and Its Impact on Public Health as Viewed: <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/27551938231154467" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/27551938231154467</a></span></li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Climate Change: <a href="https://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapters_21/16-Climate%20change.pdf" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">https://www.finance.gov.pk/survey/chapters_21/16-Climate%20change.pdf</a></span></li></ol><p style="font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent);"></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Pakistan Environment Trust’s (PET) project BioVentures aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reinforces the country’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The project directly contributes to several SDGs, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land). By promoting renewable biomass energy, Pakistan can make significant progress in achieving these goals.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for countries to address social, economic, and environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development. Pakistan recognizes the importance of aligning its initiatives with the SDGs and has integrated them into its national development plans and policies. The BioVentures project exemplifies Pakistan’s dedication to taking concrete actions that support the SDGs and contribute to the global effort of achieving a sustainable future.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Furthermore, Pakistan has made a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the global Net Zero movement. Through initiatives like BioVentures, Pakistan demonstrates its determination to transition towards a low-carbon economy and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. By actively pursuing clean and sustainable energy solutions, Pakistan is positioning itself as a leader in climate action and showing its commitment to the international community’s collective goal of limiting global warming.</p><h3 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span color="var(--color-text)"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How the NetZero framework aligns with specific targets & indicators of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:</span></span></h3><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember54" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFkJhmYF6c0LA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1692341278346?e=1697673600&v=beta&t=n0Qkza8PMZbVAySmHOwU1Np7wklnjo0WEAO8P6NJ-w8" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">How the NetZero framework aligns with specific targets & indicators of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">By integrating the principles of Net Zero with the specific targets and indicators of these SDGs, the framework ensures a comprehensive and coordinated approach towards sustainable development, climate action, and achieving a carbon-neutral future.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The successful implementation of the BioVentures project will not only contribute to Pakistan’s national goals but also serve as a model for other countries striving to achieve net-zero emissions. It showcases Pakistan’s dedication to sustainability and highlights the country’s potential to become a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember55" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHjiWM8kSVVow/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1692341318287?e=1697673600&v=beta&t=aVQ_J8Dh3JJ7T9FpC-OdZ_0hqyyoHBjW_UV0-AMBZW0" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Net Zero Effect to be Achieved by Pakistan in 2050</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">With the SDGs as a guiding framework and a commitment to the Net Zero agenda, Pakistan is poised to make significant strides in addressing climate change, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable development. The BioVentures project is a testament to Pakistan’s determination to create a greener and more resilient future, and it sets a positive precedent for other countries to follow suit.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">BioVentures has the potential to bring about significant environmental benefits. The project aims to reduce emissions by around 15 MtCO2e over a 10-year period, thereby mitigating the country’s carbon footprint. Moreover, by replacing the burning of crop residues with biomass energy, air quality in Pakistan is expected to improve, addressing one of the country’s pressing concerns.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">NZP has enlisted the expertise of industry leaders and advisors to guide the implementation of BioVentures. Their collective knowledge will ensure the project’s success and impact. The initiative has already secured an initial investment of $100,000, demonstrating the commitment and support it has garnered.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Currently, in the feasibility study phase, BioVentures is projected to be completed by October 2023. Upon successful outcomes, a pilot project will be launched towards the end of 2024, setting the stage for broader implementation.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">NZP’s focus extends beyond BioVentures. The Pakistan Environment Trust (PET) the parent body of NetZero Pakistan (NZP) is actively involved in various other sustainability initiatives, including knowledge creation, international collaboration, and industry events. By promoting sustainable practices and fostering partnerships, PET aims to drive positive change in Pakistan’s energy and climate change landscape.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The launch of BioVentures marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards cleaner and greener futures. By leveraging biomass energy, the country can take meaningful steps to reduce emissions, combat air pollution, and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. </p><hr class="reader-divider-block" style="border-bottom: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); border-image: initial; border-left: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); border-right: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); border-top: solid 1px var(--color-border-faint); box-sizing: inherit; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: 1px; margin: 1.6rem auto; padding: 0px; width: 720px;" /><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember56" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGLgkLi-zI0Ww/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1692341890716?e=1697673600&v=beta&t=xY_kwPgP9gIlpzuo7jCPDn_v1WCJmuew7YMphB0dxmg" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Amir Jahangir</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="https://narratives.com.pk/contributor/amirjahangir/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Amir Jahangir</a></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="http://narratives.com.pk/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">http://</a></span><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="http://narratives.com.pk/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">narratives.com.pk</a></span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The writer is a global competitiveness, risk, and development expert. He leads Mishal Pakistan, the country partner institute of the Centre for the New Economy and Society Platform at the World Economic Forum.</p></div></div></div><div class="reader-ugc-post-bar reader-ugc-post-bar--expanded" style="background-color: white; border-top: 1px solid var(--color-brand-accent-5-on-dark); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: 1.6rem 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-22408830749521392992023-08-18T17:14:00.003+05:002023-08-18T17:14:34.939+05:00Citizen Journalism: A Vital Tool in Disaster Management in Pakistan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hRZ7C1EfOXNj8M5tg03INsui6e0W7DOP0qnYh7UTYe41_9UKWC4Uyv3Yat0EFIt_XVq3XwQnin-RKqf4Ws1U735UNz-inxc83hO-PS3mkSrslz8wTlLgSc0RMK7puW1WvDsVr3EpSbEk3jf9hoZ_YckP0OmyWZPxpdCL6-WXeYrO8BEs-ag-MsJMXg/s4032/IMG_4286.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hRZ7C1EfOXNj8M5tg03INsui6e0W7DOP0qnYh7UTYe41_9UKWC4Uyv3Yat0EFIt_XVq3XwQnin-RKqf4Ws1U735UNz-inxc83hO-PS3mkSrslz8wTlLgSc0RMK7puW1WvDsVr3EpSbEk3jf9hoZ_YckP0OmyWZPxpdCL6-WXeYrO8BEs-ag-MsJMXg/w640-h480/IMG_4286.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 700;">Citizen Journalism: A Vital Tool in Disaster Management in Pakistan</span></p><p><span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.0625rem;">A Vision for Preparedness: NDMA Seminar on Public Awareness for Disasters in Pakistan.</span></p><p><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xi81zsa" href="https://www.facebook.com/amir.jahangir" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_self"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x3x7a5m x1lkfr7t x1lbecb7 x1s688f xzsf02u" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: inline !important; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.0625rem; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.1765; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1lliihq x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6 xlyipyv xuxw1ft" style="display: inline !important; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-overflow: ellipsis; text-wrap: nowrap;">Amir Jahangir</span></span></a><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;">Introduction</span></p><div class="x9f619 xkrivgy x1gryazu xx4vt8u xrgej4m xexx8yu x1pi30zi x18d9i69 x1swvt13 x1n2onr6 xh8yej3 xd9riw8" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 48px; max-width: 700px; padding: 0px 16px; position: relative; width: 700px;"><div class="x1p5oq8j xwxc41k" style="font-family: inherit; padding-bottom: 24px; padding-top: 24px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">On the morning of 18th August 2023, the air in the seminar room was charged with an intense but optimistic focus. Experts from various backgrounds had come together for a special Seminar, organized under the theme "Innovative Approaches to Public Awareness for Disasters in Pakistan". The panelists were aware of the immense challenge before them — in a nation no stranger to the devastating impacts of natural disasters, how could public awareness and preparedness be elevated?</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h2 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz xqui205 x1hq5gj4" dir="auto" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 24px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;">A Shared Concern</span></h2></div><figure style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="" class="x1lliihq xdj266r xkrivgy xat24cr x1gryazu x193iq5w" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent.fxjm2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.31854-6/367991035_9768668493206479_6385659082511332345_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=4a2989&_nc_eui2=AeFfLvxeqfu7HuY4le4O-MS8fTQQaQldnWp9NBBpCV2dapGoJyv-i2K_Ff8LaCmtd9g&_nc_ohc=lyqDjFuePrcAX_Gz-qK&_nc_ht=scontent.fxjm2-1.fna&oh=00_AfDyaE-XMh_xqrd6d7nmCAGT-AlsMNfS26zO1SPJjw_XrA&oe=64E4F026" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="510" /><figcaption><p class="x14vqqas xod5an3" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 12px 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x676frb x1nxh6w3 x1sibtaa xo1l8bm xi81zsa x2b8uid" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--secondary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8125rem; line-height: 1.2308; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;"><a href="https://nutech.edu.pk/">Rector NUTECH, Lt. General Moazzam Ejaz</a></span></p></figcaption></figure><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><a href="https://nutech.edu.pk/">Rector NUTECH</a>, <a href="https://nutech.edu.pk/about/university-offices-2/rector-secretariat/rector/">Lt. General Moazzam Ejaz</a>, addressed the seminar, his words vividly painting the urgency of the situation. "In an age of intensifying climate challenges, ensuring public awareness and preparedness is not just a necessity—it is a critical responsibility for all of us," he noted.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h2 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz xqui205 x1hq5gj4" dir="auto" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 24px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;">A Child’s Perspective: Empathy Through Reporting</span></h2></div><figure style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="" class="x1lliihq xdj266r xkrivgy xat24cr x1gryazu x193iq5w" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent.fxjm2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.31854-6/367736251_9768683406538321_2394516890077777267_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=4a2989&_nc_eui2=AeGIKOUAH1BnyhhuiWP1rZKrsfRfV-MOamqx9F9X4w5qar0xJnjOboF_62HioaYKOlY&_nc_ohc=nRp-9_3eg24AX-tIbvI&_nc_ht=scontent.fxjm2-1.fna&oh=00_AfBf3RnP-7zGJQAVjoYsxyUShlQtF3cOplbWdETWPsuCsA&oe=64E4B593" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="500" /><figcaption><p class="x14vqqas xod5an3" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 12px 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x676frb x1nxh6w3 x1sibtaa xo1l8bm xi81zsa x2b8uid" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--secondary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8125rem; line-height: 1.2308; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;">Ms. Humera Qasim Khan</span></p></figcaption></figure><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">As the seminar delved deeper, Ms. Humera Qasim Khan from <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/SavetheChildrenPakistanProgram" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Save the Children Pakistan Program</span></span></span></a> took the stage. Her talk centered on the theme of 'Climate Journalism & Child-focused Climate Crisis Reporting’. She shared heart-wrenching stories of children affected by recent calamities. Through her passionate narrative, she underlined that the youngest citizens are often the most vulnerable during a crisis and that the media has a pivotal role in spotlighting their stories and advocating for their unique needs.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h2 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz xqui205 x1hq5gj4" dir="auto" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 24px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;">The Tightrope of Timeliness and Truth</span><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AuSi1zC0g88/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AuSi1zC0g88/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></h2></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Next was <a href="https://www.bahria.edu.pk/buic/media/farrukh-shahzad/">Dr. Farrukh Shahzad</a> from MS BU, who navigated the complex landscape of ethical dilemmas in disaster reporting. "Getting the news out quickly is essential," he stated, "but what if that news is wrong?" This question led to an engaged discussion about the need to balance the immediacy of news reporting with the critical responsibility of accuracy—a central concern for disaster journalism.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h2 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz xqui205 x1hq5gj4" dir="auto" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 24px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;">A Picture Worth a Thousand Words</span></h2></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="x1lliihq xdj266r xkrivgy xat24cr x1gryazu x193iq5w" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent.fxjm2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.31854-6/367925956_9768691113204217_7769647170850115543_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=4a2989&_nc_eui2=AeGs9VyBlPoE7OtfYWmxgi-PXn4oPUNpJL1efig9Q2kkvZMs0tNpYT9-0BxsNkdixB0&_nc_ohc=WdJvlUAlkuIAX-vtuD5&_nc_ht=scontent.fxjm2-1.fna&oh=00_AfCpf36nUO2-TBUKn7N3vfQd3PYOnOm3R24FNfKvXy92Ew&oe=64E44EF5" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-size: 13px;">Tahir Ahmed Dhindsa</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Mr. <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/tahir.dhindsa.5" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tahir Dhindsa</span></span></span></a> from <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/SDTVPakistan" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sustainable Development Television</span></span></span></a> of <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/sdpipakistan" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)</span></span></span></a>, an expert in visual storytelling, took the attendees on a visual journey. He demonstrated how compelling visuals, from poignant photographs to sharp data visualizations, can be used effectively to tell the stories of disasters. His images evoked deep empathy and spurred the audience to consider how such visuals could be potent tools for raising awareness and encouraging action.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h2 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz xqui205 x1hq5gj4" dir="auto" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 24px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;">The People’s Voice: Citizen Journalism</span></h2></div><figure style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="" class="x1lliihq xdj266r xkrivgy xat24cr x1gryazu x193iq5w" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent.fxjm2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.31854-6/368061723_9768698103203518_7771941141957802259_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=4a2989&_nc_eui2=AeEFbnxFDpanOh-Q5FulqkoQif36UUbJiPyJ_fpRRsmI_OdycBYftCVG6vJ0zwRWamA&_nc_ohc=MSAxGXR1gvYAX8v4gzI&_nc_ht=scontent.fxjm2-1.fna&oh=00_AfCOY2eqzdQOi8xViJz0jhcWSxwwxzYpA1JGrx0r5a0npg&oe=64E42844" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="500" /><figcaption><p class="x14vqqas xod5an3" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 12px 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x676frb x1nxh6w3 x1sibtaa xo1l8bm xi81zsa x2b8uid" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--secondary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.8125rem; line-height: 1.2308; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;">Puruesh Chaudhary</span></p></figcaption></figure><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Ms. <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1qq9wsj xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/puruesh" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span style="font-weight: 600;"><span class="xt0psk2" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Puruesh Chaudhary</span></span></span></a>, a prominent media strategist, brought the audience into the digital age, focusing on the transformative potential of citizen journalism and social media platforms. She narrated stories of ordinary people becoming extraordinary reporters of their own experiences during disasters. Chaudhary's engaging talk highlighted how these tools empower individuals to supplement the efforts of traditional media, enhancing transparency and accountability in critical times.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">The Lifeline of Real-Time Information</span></span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">According to Ms. Chaudhary, social media equips citizen journalism with the power to deliver real-time information during crises. This immediate information is a lifeline for disaster mitigation organizations, aiding in the swift coordination of rescue and relief efforts precisely where they are urgently required. In essence, time-sensitive, firsthand accounts from the ground can, and do, save lives.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Gender Imbalance in Citizen Reporting</span></span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">During her talk, Chaudhary raised a critical issue - the gender disparity prevalent within the realm of citizen journalism. The majority of the citizen reports are sourced from men, resulting in a male-dominated narrative. This skew limits the inclusivity of the information received and often overlooks the unique experiences and challenges faced by women and children during disasters.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Harnessing the Power of Emerging Technologies</span></span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Chaudhary emphasized the diverse array of tools at the disposal of citizen journalists in Pakistan. WhatsApp, she noted, is a popular platform for the dissemination of text-based information, whereas TikTok has carved a significant space for visual content. More importantly, she highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI tools can categorize, verify, and assess the reliability of this information, providing a robust mechanism for more effective, accurate, and accountable reporting.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">The Necessity of Formal Training for Media Personnel</span></span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">The seminar also underscored the urgency for formally training media personnel. The dilemma of bystanders becoming casualties during disasters was highlighted, emphasizing the need for journalists to balance the compulsion to report with the necessity of personal safety. Certified disaster media training, potentially offered through collaborations with technologists or senior media professionals, emerged as a strong recommendation from the seminar.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Extending Reach: The Role of Traditional Channels</span></span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">The call for broader disaster communication and risk awareness was clear. The seminar proposed extending the scope of information dissemination beyond digital and social platforms. For example, automated messages from electronic centers could be broadcasted through places of worship, like mosques, in rural areas. This would ensure that vital information reaches the most vulnerable populations, even when they are not online.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Reflecting on Pakistan’s Disaster History and Media’s Role</span></span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Pakistan has a long history of disasters, but the focused national approach towards Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is more recent, gaining traction, particularly after the devastating 2005 earthquake. The seminar served as a poignant reminder of the existing gap in DRR efforts in Pakistan, particularly in relation to the role of media. The need for a nationwide understanding of climate change and DRR was identified as a priority.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Recommendations and Acknowledgments</span></span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">To solidify the integration of media into DRR strategies, the seminar concluded with several recommendations:</span></span></p></div><ul class="x1lliihq x13xjzxd x11i5rnm x1mh8g0r x14beivq xbbxn1n xtaz4m5" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 24px;"><li class="xzsf02u x1603h9y x1yztbdb xw7yly9" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Establish formal training qualifications for journalists covering disasters</span></span></div></li><li class="xzsf02u x1603h9y x1yztbdb xw7yly9" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Create a National Institute of Disaster Embedded Journalists</span></span></div></li><li class="xzsf02u x1603h9y x1yztbdb xw7yly9" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Hold recurring seminars and expos on DRR and the media’s role, to continue educating both the public and stakeholders.</span></span></div></li></ul><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">The seminar ended with a token of appreciation presented to the panel members and the session’s moderator by the honorable chairman and session chair.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">The seminar highlighted the transformative impact that citizen journalism, empowered by social media and emerging technologies, can have on disaster management in Pakistan. However, the discussions also revealed the need for infrastructure—particularly in the form of formal training for media personnel—that supports responsible and safe reporting during disasters. As Pakistan faces an increasing array of climate-related challenges, the integration of media into the country's DRR strategies is no longer optional—it is a necessity.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">In an ever-evolving digital age, citizen journalism stands as a powerful tool for transparency, accountability, and effective disaster response, but harnessing its full potential requires foresight, preparation, and education.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h2 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz xqui205 x1hq5gj4" dir="auto" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 24px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;">Crafting the Path Forward</span></h2></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">The session chair and moderator facilitated an animated and insightful discussion among the panelists. Key insights crystallized during this exchange, signaling the necessity for:</span></span></p></div><ul class="x1lliihq x13xjzxd x11i5rnm x1mh8g0r x14beivq xbbxn1n xtaz4m5" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 24px;"><li class="xzsf02u x1603h9y x1yztbdb xw7yly9" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Rigorous training and ethical guidelines for journalists reporting on disasters,</span></span></div></li><li class="xzsf02u x1603h9y x1yztbdb xw7yly9" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Strategies to combat misinformation during crises,</span></span></div></li><li class="xzsf02u x1603h9y x1yztbdb xw7yly9" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">More extensive collaboration between media, government agencies, and NGOs,</span></span></div></li><li class="xzsf02u x1603h9y x1yztbdb xw7yly9" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-top: 16px;"><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">Inclusive reporting that reflects the diverse impacts of disasters on various community groups, including children, women, and marginalized populations.</span></span></div></li></ul><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><h2 class="x1heor9g x1qlqyl8 x1pd3egz x1a2a7pz xqui205 x1hq5gj4" dir="auto" style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 24px 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 x1xlr1w8 xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;">A Roadmap for Resilience</span></h2></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">As the seminar concluded, the atmosphere was one of hopeful determination. Seminar 10 had served as a platform for these experts to not only discuss but to catalyze innovative approaches for raising public awareness on disasters in Pakistan. As Pakistan continues to grapple with severe and increasingly frequent climatic events, the insights and recommendations arising from this seminar offer a vital roadmap. It illuminated the media's central role—both traditional and citizen-driven—in educating the public, shaping perceptions, and driving action before, during, and after disasters.</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">In the words of Ms. Chaudhary, which echoed in the minds of attendees as they departed, "In our hands, we hold the tools to inform, to prepare, and to save lives. Let us wield them with care, compassion, and unyielding commitment."</span></span></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;">This seminar marked not an end, but a strong and resolute step forward in Pakistan’s journey toward disaster preparedness and resilience.</span></span><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.25rem; line-height: 1.2; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks; word-break: break-word;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.36px;"><br /></span><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAWeD0u0c1oy-MQdEBsGmdqPsYOlAZGbjLLf8PaqKBU0-gRz2R9NEtpsVv8q9LL1ruaqrO-VO6mhaCTTQnQu_JJ0gcE0VSSjfiUx_--NsrNPK5z2JDoTaBkhws8LwDIifn8nTAGtreqb5iQSs2f6yB9-Ni2Z2K6_No05DOY8I6XzCfl4Sb_HaZJTkBA/s4032/IMG_4291.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAWeD0u0c1oy-MQdEBsGmdqPsYOlAZGbjLLf8PaqKBU0-gRz2R9NEtpsVv8q9LL1ruaqrO-VO6mhaCTTQnQu_JJ0gcE0VSSjfiUx_--NsrNPK5z2JDoTaBkhws8LwDIifn8nTAGtreqb5iQSs2f6yB9-Ni2Z2K6_No05DOY8I6XzCfl4Sb_HaZJTkBA/s320/IMG_4291.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x41vudc x1603h9y x1u7k74 xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1fj9vlw" dir="auto" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><br /></span></span><p></p><div><span class="x1vuxp1f x12hmdlw" style="font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.36px; line-height: 1.7652;"><br /></span></div><p></p></div><div class="x126k92a x1yc453h" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "system-ui", ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><p class="x1yztbdb" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 1em 0px 16px;"></p></div></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-66941806223055552402023-08-01T02:30:00.003+05:002023-08-01T02:31:44.121+05:00Bold Promises and Lingering Doubts: The Rollercoaster Ride of Pakistan's Budget 2023-24.<figure class="mt6 relative" style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 3.2rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figcaption class="reader-cover-image__caption" itemprop="caption" style="border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: var(--spacing-one-x); max-width: 720px; padding: 0 var(--spacing-two-x); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><section aria-label="Newsletter header" class="series-reader-header" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: 16px; font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin: 3.2rem auto 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: start; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="artdeco-entity-lockup artdeco-entity-lockup--size-5 ember-view" id="ember1422" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="series-reader-header__content flex-1 justify-space-between artdeco-entity-lockup__content ember-view" id="ember1426" style="align-self: center; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-basis: 0%; flex-flow: row; flex-grow: 1 !important; flex-shrink: 1 !important; flex: 1 1 0%; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); justify-content: space-between; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding-left: var(--spacing-one-x) !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bold Promises and Lingering Doubts: The Rollercoaster Ride of Pakistan's Budget 2023-24." class="reader-cover-image__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1435" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQG1D04TzuiKlg/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1690806761647?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=cFnq0gJqNC7Rb4FjoC5to2o3ZjoN1Sq6KnsOYmKD_4k" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><figure class="mt6 relative" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); margin-top: 3.2rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; text-align: start; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figcaption class="reader-cover-image__caption" itemprop="caption" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: var(--spacing-one-x); max-width: 720px; padding: 0 var(--spacing-two-x); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bold Promises and Lingering Doubts: The Rollercoaster Ride of Pakistan's Budget 2023-24.</span></figcaption></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></section><div class="relative reader__grid mt6" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; float: none; margin-top: 3.2rem; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; text-align: start; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div data-scaffold-immersive-reader-content="" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-article-content reader-article-content--content-blocks" dir="ltr" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); 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vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" height="228" id="ember1447" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQE1pInrNqXWHg/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1690807144449?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=c7LH_1HMKDdVL8dgc3ojYEpSpgbRa0HzYYwNngEs4Z0" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--left-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: left; font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-right: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 585.703px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bold Promises and Lingering Doubts: The Rollercoaster Ride of Pakistan's Budget 2023-24</span></figcaption></figure></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure></div><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);"><br /></span></span></h3><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);">The Original Article By</span><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);"> </span><a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAAMSasBEUGfh-dA_Fy13P9NEEYJ67x0xE0" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Amir Jahangir</a><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);"> </span><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);">was</span><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);"> </span><a href="https://narratives.com.pk/featured/big-promises-lingering-doubts/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Published in the Narratives Magazine</a></span></h3><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Financial Act for 2023-24 presents an ambitious plan for the Pakistani economy, demonstrating optimism for growth in revenue generation and spending. However, it also foresees an enlarged budget deficit, indicative of the challenging economic situation the country is currently facing.</h3><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 3.2rem 0px; text-align: left;">Firstly, the Act projects a substantial increase in total receipts, expecting them to rise from the revised figure of Rs 8,429 billion in 2022-2023 to Rs 12,170 billion. This impressive increase seems to be reliant largely on the growth of tax and non-tax revenues, signaling an effort to enhance the effectiveness of tax collection systems and explore other sources of income.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="410" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SP2f1t-CHMI" width="493" youtube-src-id="SP2f1t-CHMI"></iframe></div><br />However, while revenue growth is expected, the Act also forecasts a considerable rise in the provincial share in federal taxes, implying a growing focus on empowering provincial governments and supporting their development projects. This leads to an expected net revenue of Rs 6,894 billion, up from Rs 4,300 billion the previous year, demonstrating a noteworthy increase.<p></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><br /></div></div><br /></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">On the expenditure side, there is a significant rise in both current and developmental spending. Current expenditure is projected to grow from Rs 13,947 billion to Rs 17,928 billion, a substantial increase that could reflect higher costs in public service delivery or increased debt servicing. Developmental expenditure, on the other hand, sees a modest rise, demonstrating a continued commitment to infrastructure and other development projects.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Unfortunately, despite the expected rise in revenues, the Act projects an enlarged budget deficit of Rs 12,643 billion, an increase from Rs 10,694 billion the previous year. The gap between government revenue and spending represents the primary challenge for the Pakistani economy. The financial plan outlines a combination of domestic and foreign borrowing, as well as nominal privatization proceeds and surplus from provinces to bridge this gap.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1449" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQF_BXprfFqlnQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1690807547110?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=VCBmxhU_69lEV0IrItwt9coJdmTZh0AbhGIz8aappl0" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Budget 2023-24: Fusing Political Aspirations and Public Incentives.</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Financial Act 2023-24 envisions an ambitious plan for fiscal management in Pakistan, aiming to increase revenue significantly, support provincial governments, and maintain development projects. However, the projection of a larger budget deficit, necessitating greater borrowing, highlights the economic challenges that lie ahead.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">It is important to remember that these projections are only planned figures. The actual outcomes will depend on a variety of factors including global economic conditions, domestic political stability, effective execution of the plan, and unexpected crises. As such, the final verdict on the success of the Financial Act 2023-24 can only be assessed post-implementation.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">The sector-wise budget allocations for Pakistan in 2023-2024:</span></span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1450" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQED-TC2fjEEdA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690807769028?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=MFim3zBIHX8lLHfu9vZM3Fv80Fv8pDw_mwfrDlXUHqU" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">The sector-wise budget allocations for Pakistan in 2023-2024</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The federal budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 in Pakistan has been unveiled, outlining the allocation of resources and planned expenditures. This budget plays a crucial role in shaping the country's economic landscape and reflects the government's priorities for development and growth. The breakdown of resources and expenditures provides insights into the financial plans for the upcoming year.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">A Comparative Table for Pakistan's Finance Act Budget 2022-23 Vs. 2023-24:</span></span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1451" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHPi7WBbbWW0Q/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690807962512?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=6njPcB8QMLbRZURF4SxC5wlmGBNRy5XdVGYQQDv3SSo" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">A Comparative Table for Pakistan's Finance Act Budget 2022-23 Vs. 2023-24</figcaption></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1452" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGteQr8HPAxuA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690808060297?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=I-LYhYUTTg0nLn1Zrjovp2ykjkFndKcXcncspp5mi0c" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></div></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">As the total revenue and expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year 2023-24 are projected to be higher than the previous year. This is due to a number of factors, including the expected increase in tax revenue and the government's commitment to increasing development spending. However, the budget deficit is also projected to be higher, which means that the government will need to borrow more money to finance its spending.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The debt-to-GDP ratio is also projected to increase, which is a cause for concern. However, the government is hoping that the economic growth rate will be higher in the upcoming year, which will help to reduce the debt burden.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The defense sector received the largest allocation, followed by civil administration and pension. The development budget is the highest it has ever been, with an allocation of Rs. 1,150 billion.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Pakistan's Budget 2023-24: Key Highlights and Implications:</span></span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1453" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFPsZxv4k4agw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690808374549?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=yfQUemoQpOHw0uIeRZCLBjNhgu0eur1hT8ic3KNrth4" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Pakistan's Budget 2023-24: Key Highlights and Implications</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Pakistan's Budget for 2023-24 presents a mixed picture with notable gains, setbacks, and missed opportunities. While the government has taken steps to promote industrial growth, support agriculture, and encourage energy efficiency, challenges remain in areas such as stock exchange implications, non-filer management, and the textile sector. Implementing essential reforms and fostering a favorable business environment will be crucial for Pakistan's economic revitalization. It is essential to address the severity of the economic crisis, expand the tax base, and manage the fiscal deficit effectively to ensure sustainable growth and development.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">The Money Flow in the Pakistani Economy:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The money flow into and out of the Pakistani economy is a complex system encompassing various income streams and expenditure lines.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1454" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHbR6Qk2LqUMg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690808792669?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=H929FrqilZ4jeVV_AO1fE0dZirAbt4mxMsqsax8WWtI" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 431.997px;">The Money Flow in the Pakistani Economy</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">On the income side, the majority of the inflow (51%) comes from borrowings. This includes foreign debts/grants (55%), domestic debts from non-banks (20%), and banks (20%). Surplus from provinces, a minor source, contributes 5%. This dependence on borrowings, particularly foreign debts/grants, suggests that the country is heavily reliant on external and internal lenders to finance its spending and implies a need to repay these loans in the future.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Direct revenue streams comprise income tax (15%), sales tax (14%), customs duty (6%), and Federal Excise Duty (FED) (2%). This indicates a multi-faceted revenue collection system where different forms of taxes are collected from individuals and businesses. Non-tax revenue contributes another 12%, which could come from sources like profits from state-owned enterprises, fees, and charges.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Turning to the expenditure side, debt servicing, and foreign loan repayments consume a significant share of the budget at 30% and 18% respectively. This implies a substantial portion of government revenue goes towards meeting past borrowing commitments, leaving less room for developmental and operational expenditure.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The provincial share in federal taxes accounts for 21% of expenditure. This is part of federal revenue that is distributed among the provinces, and it signifies a mechanism of financial resource redistribution across the country. Federal Government expenses, including pensions, account for another 12% of the spending, reflecting the cost of running the government and serving its employees and retirees.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Development expenditure and defense affairs and services consume 6% and 7% of the outflow respectively. While the development expenditure signifies the budget for growth and infrastructure projects, the defense outflow represents the cost of ensuring national security. Grants and transfers also make up 6% of the expenditure, which could include foreign aid, support to local governments, or welfare payments.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The money inflow and outflow in the Pakistani economy reflect a challenging fiscal situation with heavy reliance on borrowings to finance its budget, and substantial amounts of revenue going towards debt servicing and loan repayments. The allocations towards development expenditure and defense also reveal the government's dual commitment to economic growth and national security.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-medium); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Flow of Money in Pakistan:</span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1455" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHxoU_effDzGQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690808708135?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=fadfKHUMSSV1DZLii1X_VlUbFEmDSuIdXZB1xHA2fY8" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">The sources of income and areas of expenditure for the Pakistani economy, showing how funds are raised and where they are allocated.</figcaption></figure></div><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tax Breakup of the Country:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Finance Act 2023-24 provides an interesting insight into the country's tax policy and its trajectory. It sheds light on the country's dependency on both direct and indirect taxes and the need for substantial and progressive shifts to mitigate income disparities and alleviate the burden of indirect taxes on the common man.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Starting with direct taxes, which are usually charged directly to individuals and organizations based on their income or profits, there is no significant change in their contribution to the overall tax collection. This suggests a lack of policy adjustments geared towards increasing the share of direct taxes in the overall tax base. The Income Tax, the major contributor to this category, is expected to generate Rs 3,714 billion in FY 23-24, up from Rs 2,817 billion in FY 22-23 (Revised). The Workers' Welfare Fund (WWF), Workers' Profit Participation Fund (WPPF), and other such sources are anticipated to contribute Rs 45 billion, slightly up from the previous fiscal year's Rs 34 billion. Altogether, direct taxes are expected to yield Rs 3,759 billion, a sizeable increase from the Rs 2,851 billion collected in the revised estimates of FY 22-23.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Turning to indirect taxes, which are levied on goods and services rather than income or profits, make up a considerable portion of Pakistan's tax revenue. The FY 23-24 projections for Customs Duty, Sales Tax, and Federal Excise Duty are Rs 1,178 billion, Rs 3,538 billion, and Rs 725 billion, respectively. In comparison, the revised figures for these taxes in FY 22-23 were Rs 1,084 billion, Rs 2,808 billion, and Rs 457 billion. These figures show a significant increase in each category, totaling Rs 5,441 billion, a noticeable rise from the previous year's Rs 4,349 billion.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b>The breakdown of tax revenue in percentages:</b></span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1456" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHx0IRPc9vKRw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690808989386?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=t4qLxrihQR5jiJTeGQpW85Fv5oEXyAozJq-uQUWIp7E" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 295.998px;">The breakdown of tax revenue in percentages</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">When breaking down the tax revenue, it's evident that the largest share is contributed by Income Tax (41%), followed by Sales Tax (38%), Customs Duties (13%), and Federal Excise Duty (8%).</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">These numbers illustrate Pakistan's fiscal strategy in the face of current economic challenges. However, the heavy reliance on indirect taxes, which are often regressive in nature, underscores the urgent need for a significant policy shift. It is crucial for the Pakistani government to consider reevaluating its tax structure to achieve a more equitable distribution of the tax burden, particularly by increasing the share of direct taxes.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Tax Breakup Comparison Between 2023-24 Vs. 2022-23:</span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1457" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQEz6qv_1gcuAg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690809096162?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=KeWT8c1tVcmYDZoBizki1Ao-A7e8Z0KFn47-JRFPJtc" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">The Tax Breakup Comparison Between 2023-24 Vs. 2022-23</figcaption></figure></div><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Budget 2023-24 from a Citizen’s Perspective:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Finance Bill 2023-24, from the perspective of an average citizen’s point of view, leaves much to be desired. The Budget has made no significant changes to the overall tax policy, as the majority of its revenue measures continue to disproportionately affect already taxed sectors and big businesses. The bill does not appear to address the tax gap resulting from undocumented sectors and could, in fact, exacerbate it by potentially encouraging an undocumented economy.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">A key point of concern is the perpetuation of higher tax rates for businesses, in the form of a 'super tax', which now extends to all sectors with an income exceeding Rs 500 million. This could significantly increase the overall tax costs for businesses. Moreover, the re-introduction of a 10% final tax on bonus shares issued by companies further burdens these entities.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Act brings in a novel concept of 'additional tax on income, profits, and gains, with a capped rate of 50% for extraordinary incomes. However, this clause might face legal challenges due to its potential conflict with the principles upheld by Higher Courts. If not, underreporting of economic activities will definitely by an emerging phenomenon in the coming days.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Another troubling feature is the enhancement of withholding income tax rates for suppliers, service providers, contractors, and commercial importers. This, coupled with the increased sales tax rate on retailers of textile and leather products from 12% to 15%, could increase the cost of goods and services, thereby affecting lower-income consumers.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The withdrawal of the sales tax exemption on edible products sold in bulk under brand names or trademarks could also lead to an increase in food costs, which would disproportionately impact lower-income groups. Meanwhile, the reintroduction of a 0.6% advance tax on cash withdrawals by non-filers seems to target those who are already outside the tax net rather than widening the tax base. Non-branded edible oils and possible adulteration in this sector might impact the quality of edible oil and a large population could move to the gray market to explore the lower-cost options, with compromised quality controls and standards.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">On the brighter side, the special tax regime for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has been extended to IT and IT-enabled services. Turnover thresholds have been enhanced from Rs 250 million to Rs 800 million, and a five-year income tax holiday has been introduced for certain Agro-based SMEs. This could encourage SME growth and employment opportunities.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">However, no major tax relief is apparent for the salaried class and lower-income groups. While the bill proposes a 50% reduction in tax liability for three years for youth entrepreneurship, such measures seem sparse and may not sufficiently ease the tax burden on lower-income groups.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Finance ACT - Budget 2023-24 has tried to incorporate some progressive steps, but it doesn't appear to prioritize tax relief for lower-income groups or salaried individuals. The reliance on indirect taxation seems to persist, which could exacerbate existing economic disparities. The Budget may need to be critically reevaluated to address these concerns and ensure an equitable and growth-supportive fiscal environment.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Defending the Nation:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Pakistan Defense Expenditure for the Budget 2023-24 has been allocated a significant amount of Rs1.804 trillion, representing a 13% increase compared to the revised allocation of Rs1.59 trillion in the previous year. This allocation demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring national security and safeguarding the country's interests. The largest portion of the budget is allocated to the army, with Rs. 824.6 billion, followed by the Pakistan Air Force with Rs368.5 billion, and the Pakistan Navy with Rs. 188.2 billion. Additionally, the pension of retired military officials has seen a substantial increase, rising by 26% to Rs. 563 billion. The government's focus on defense expenditure highlights the importance of maintaining a strong defense capability in a region with geopolitical complexities and security challenges. By allocating a significant budget for defense, Pakistan aims to equip its armed forces with modern capabilities, enhance deterrence against potential threats, and contribute to regional stability. This investment in defense plays a crucial role in supporting Pakistan's geoeconomic aspirations, providing a secure environment for sustainable development and economic growth.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Defence Expenditure holds significant importance for a country like Pakistan, which is transitioning from a primarily geostrategic focus to a more geoeconomic approach. While geoeconomics emphasizes the economic aspects of international relations and regional connectivity, national security remains a crucial pillar for sustainable economic growth and development. Pakistan, being located in a region with geopolitical complexities and security challenges, recognizes the need to ensure a strong defense capability to safeguard its territorial integrity, protect its national interests, and maintain regional stability.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">By allocating a substantial budget for defense, the government aims to equip its armed forces with modern capabilities, enhance deterrence against potential threats, and contribute to the overall security environment. This, suggests a more integral role of the defense services in ensuring and providing a conducive environment for promoting trade, investment, and economic activities. With the shift in Pakistan’s playbook from geostrategic to geoeconomics, stability, and security becomes prerequisites for attracting foreign investments, facilitating regional connectivity, and fostering economic growth. The defense expenditure, therefore, plays a crucial role in supporting Pakistan's geoeconomic aspirations by ensuring a secure and stable environment for sustainable development.The allocated defense budget announced is RS. 1828.7 billion, however, if we look at the total budget allocation for Defense in the Budget 2023-24, the figures looks around Rs. 3,752.7 billion, accounting for 100% of the Defense budget.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1458" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGehGz4JxnEkg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690809328904?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=atYM4vUA0J2olZ8JgICHNmwUcESAClPq-ZgkkkXCxIg" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Defence Sector Budget Allocations for the Budget 2023-24</figcaption></figure></div><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Possible Impact of the Finance Act 2023-24 on Formal vs Informal Sectors:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Finance Act 2023-24 will have a significant impact on both the formal and informal (non-formal) economies in Pakistan, with varying implications for each sector.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">For the formal economy, several measures proposed in the Act may add strain to businesses and dampen economic growth. The introduction of a 'super tax' on sectors earning income above Rs 500 million, along with the reinstatement of a 10% final tax on bonus shares issued by companies, could increase the financial burden on large businesses. These changes could also stifle investment and hamper the growth of these sectors. However, tax incentives for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), such as the five-year tax holiday for certain Agro-based SMEs, could stimulate growth and innovation in these sectors. The Budget's focus on extending the special tax regime to IT and IT-enabled services could boost the digital economy and potentially increase formal employment opportunities.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">As for the informal economy, the Act has mixed implications. The reintroduction of a 0.6% advance tax on cash withdrawals for non-filers could discourage people in the informal sector from engaging with the formal banking system. This measure, coupled with the threshold enhancement for immunity from probes into sources of foreign remittances, may inadvertently encourage the proliferation of the undocumented economy.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Moreover, the Act's increased reliance on indirect taxation, including heightened withholding tax rates for suppliers, service providers, contractors, and commercial importers, could negatively impact the cost of living for those reliant on the informal economy. This could also disincentivize the formalization of these sectors.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">On the other hand, the Budget offers a special status for the freelance exporter of IT and IT-enabled services as a cottage industry, exempting them from certain registration and filing requirements. This could potentially bring a part of the informal sector into the formal economy by encouraging freelancers to regularize their operations. Additionally, the provision for a three-year, 50% reduction in tax liability for youth entrepreneurship could stimulate formal economic activity among younger demographics. However, trust in the system is still a fragile sentiment, which the government needs to work on and ensure the continuity of its policies for the coming years as well.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Possible Impacts of the Budget 2023-24 on the Formal Vs. Informal Economy in Pakistan:</span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1459" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQEY2aavGd8Kpg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690809494585?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=baPPsg5Bh4QamzwRmy8hV03OjT0ZG5iKaMBPQsgGZ64" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">The Possible Impacts of the Budget 2023-24 on the Formal Vs. Informal Economy in Pakistan.</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">While the Budget incorporates measures that may promote certain aspects of the formal economy and formalization of some non-formal sectors, its increased reliance on indirect taxation and potential encouragement of the undocumented economy can exacerbate economic disparities and discourage the transition from the informal to the formal sector. A more balanced and equitable approach might involve measures to incentivize formalization and provide a safety net for the lower-income groups while ensuring that the taxation system is not regressive.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">The Good, Bad, and the Ugly of the New Tax Regime:</span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1460" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGtKEso7tDUrg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690809799086?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=_naYViYTbPljFI_o1cyBGMMmUY50OKg7scAxVqTRiwc" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">The Good, Bad, and the Ugly of the New Tax Regime</figcaption></figure></div><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">The New Tax Regimes for the Baking Companies:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">As citizens and clients of banking companies, the new income tax regime brings forth various implications:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">One positive aspect of the new regime is the reduced tax rate on income from additional advances to certain sectors. This is encouraging for citizens who may require micro or SME loans, low-cost housing financing, or farm credit. The lowered tax rate of 20% incentivizes banking companies to provide financial support to these sectors, potentially improving access to credit and fostering economic growth.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The reduced tax rate on income from additional advances to the IT sector is also promising. This provision signals the government's recognition of the importance of the IT industry and its potential for growth. By offering a lower tax rate of 20%, banking companies are encouraged to invest in the IT sector, which can lead to technological advancements, job creation, and overall economic development. </p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">However, there are concerns regarding the higher tax rate on income from government securities. If banking companies experience reduced profitability due to this tax, it may indirectly impact citizens. This could manifest in changes to interest rates on banking products, affecting savings accounts, fixed deposits, and loan offerings. Citizens must remain vigilant to any potential changes that could influence their financial well-being.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The reintroduction of advance tax on cash withdrawals from non-filers is aimed at promoting tax compliance. While it may inconvenience non-filers, it also serves as an incentive for them to become tax filers, contributing to the country's tax base. As taxpayers who fulfill our tax obligations, we view this as a step toward creating a more equitable and transparent tax system. However, this is also a dangerous slope, where citizens can move towards embracing a more cash-based economy and a decline in the use of formal banking channels.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The reduction in the standard rate of minimum tax on turnover for listed companies is a positive development. This reduction from 1.25% to 1% alleviates the tax burden on these companies and can potentially lead to improved services and offerings from the banking sector. As citizens, the gesture will be appreciated by measures that support the growth and profitability of businesses, ultimately benefitting the economy as a whole.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Furthermore, the proposed increase in the threshold of immunity on foreign remittances may not directly impact individual citizens. However, it aims to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, encouraging more remittances and contributing to the country's economic stability. It is crucial, however, to ensure that this provision is not misused, as it could undermine efforts to combat money laundering and tax evasion.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The new income tax regime for banking companies presents a mix of opportunities and concerns. While the reduced tax rates on specific advances and turnover for listed companies are positive, potential impacts on interest rates and the immunity on foreign remittances require careful consideration. Overall, we hope that these changes will foster a fair and prosperous environment for both banking companies and individual citizens, promoting economic growth and financial well-being for all.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">An analysis of the new income tax regime for banking companies, categorized as good, bad, or neutral for the end taxpayers:</span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1461" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHz0136R6mh3Q/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690810050115?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=5Zi5K3BA96O8qxxO44AkL4xFCooPjCenr9y-O_t8T-c" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Analysis of the new income tax regime for banking companies, categorized as good, bad, or neutral for the end taxpayers</figcaption></figure></div><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">The Sales Tax Evolution:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The sales tax provisions of the Federal Budget 2023-24 have several implications for various sectors. Analyzing them, and how these changes may impact businesses gives more perspective:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ol style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Production, transmission, and distribution of electricity:</span> The restoration of the earlier definition, which excludes the transmission of electricity from sales tax, brings clarity to the taxation of this sector. It resolves the legal controversy regarding the federal government's right to tax electricity transmission. This change ensures consistency and facilitates smooth operations for electricity companies.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Tier-1 retailer:</span> The exclusion of certain retailers, such as those operating in larger shops and jewelers, from the definition of Tier-1 retailer relieves them from the obligation of integrating their outlets with the FBR's real-time sales reporting system. This change reduces administrative burdens for these retailers and allows them to focus on their core business activities.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Penalty for non-compliance:</span> The expansion of penalties to all persons required to affix tax stamps, banderoles, stickers, labels, or barcodes on taxable goods increases accountability and aims to deter non-compliance. This provision intends to curb the sale of counterfeit goods and ensure proper tax collection.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Zero-rating and exemptions:</span> The budget introduces various changes to zero-rating and exemptions. For example, the extension of zero-rating to additional items under the PCT heading 9017.2000, such as "other drawing, marking out, or mathematical calculating instruments," benefits businesses involved in their manufacturing and supply chains. Additionally, the withdrawal of exemptions for certain goods under brand names/trademarks expands the tax base and increases revenue collection.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Exemptions for specific goods:</span> The budget proposes new exemptions for goods like contraceptives, bovine semen, saplings, agricultural machinery, and software exports. These exemptions aim to support specific sectors and incentivize their growth. They can reduce the tax burden on businesses engaged in these activities and promote investment and development.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Changes in rates</span>: The rate increase from 12% to 15% for textile and leather retailers may impact their profitability. It raises the cost of supplies and could affect their competitiveness in both the local and international markets. Similarly, the reduced rate of 1% for the pharma sector, with certain exceptions, supports the industry's growth by reducing the tax burden on specific drugs and APIs.</li></ol><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><h2 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">New Sales Tax Provisions - Impact on Growth and Inflation:</span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1462" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQF3bXg671_2LA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690810238660?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=WBqQ7hdsFub-n_kydFotwNN0TV2tTy28dqmvROdgNgQ" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">New Sales Tax Provisions - Impact on Growth and Inflation</figcaption></figure></div><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Explanation:</h3><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Production, transmission, and distribution of electricity:</h3><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Growth: Positive - Clarity regarding taxation benefits the electricity sector, ensuring smoother operations.</span></li><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Inflation: Neutral - No direct impact on inflation.</span></li></ul><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Tier-1 retailer:</h3><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Growth: Positive - Exemption from integrating outlets with the FBR's system reduces administrative burdens.</span></li><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Inflation: Neutral - No direct impact on inflation.</span></li></ul><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Penalty for non-compliance:</h3><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Growth: Positive - Penalties discourage non-compliance and ensure proper tax collection.</span></li><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Inflation: Neutral - No direct impact on inflation.</span></li></ul><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Zero-rating and exemptions:</h3><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Growth: Mixed - The extension of zero-rating benefits some sectors, while the withdrawal of exemptions broadens the tax base.</span></li><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Inflation: Mixed - Changes in tax rates and exemptions can have indirect effects on prices, but the overall impact is uncertain.</span></li></ul><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Exemptions for specific goods:</h3><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Growth: Positive - Exemptions for specific goods can support their respective sectors and encourage investment.</span></li><li><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);">Impact on Inflation: Neutral - No direct impact on inflation.</span></li></ul><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Changes in rates:</span></h3><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Impact on Growth: Mixed - Rate increases for textile and leather retailers may impact their profitability, potentially affecting growth.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Impact on Inflation: Mixed - Changes in tax rates can have indirect effects on prices, but the overall impact is uncertain.</li></ul><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Please note that the impacts mentioned above are based on general assessments and actual outcomes may vary depending on specific market dynamics and individual business circumstances.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The sales tax provisions of the Federal Budget 2023-24 aim to streamline taxation, broaden the tax base, and incentivize specific sectors. While some changes may provide relief or promote growth, others could impact profitability and competitiveness. It is crucial for businesses to carefully assess the impact of these provisions and adapt their strategies to navigate the evolving tax landscape effectively.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">The Federal Excise Duty (FED) and the Proposed Changes - Impact Analysis</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Federal Budget 2023-24 introduces changes to the Federal Excise Duty (FED) with the aim of streamlining its chargeability and expanding its scope. The impact of these changes has been examined below:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b>Clarification of Chargeability:</b></span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Impact: The proposed addition of a new clause to further elaborate the chargeability of FED on goods and services aims to provide clarity. However, the wording of the clause may inadvertently create ambiguity and potential litigation. If interpreted broadly, it could result in FED being imposed on the supply of excisable items even by distributors, dealers, or retailers. This unintended consequence could have a negative impact by increasing compliance costs and creating uncertainty for businesses. The Federal Government should reconsider this amendment to avoid potential complications.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b>Publication of Rules and Instructions:</b></span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Impact: The proposal to align the publication procedure of FED Rules, general orders, departmental instructions, and rulings with the Sales Tax Act is a procedural change. It aims to ensure transparency and accessibility of these documents by making them available for sale to the public at a reasonable price or on the official website of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This change promotes ease of access to relevant information and fosters transparency in tax administration.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b>Dutiable Goods:</b></span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Impact: The introduction of FED on certain energy-inefficient appliances and incandescent bulbs aims to discourage their use and promote energy conservation. By imposing a duty on imported and locally manufactured energy-inefficient fans and incandescent bulbs, the government seeks to incentivize the adoption of more energy-efficient alternatives. This change aligns with environmental objectives and can contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.</p><div style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b>Excisable Services:</b></span></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Impact: The extension of the scope of FED to include franchise services, royalties, and fees for technical services at a rate of 10% aims to broaden the tax base and increase revenue collection. This change brings these services under the purview of the FED, similar to other taxable services. It may have a positive impact on revenue generation for the government but could potentially increase costs for businesses availing of these services.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The changes to the Federal Excise Duty in the Federal Budget 2023-24 seek to streamline its chargeability, promote energy conservation, and broaden the tax base. While some changes aim to provide clarity and improve tax administration procedures, there is a need to ensure that amendments are carefully crafted to avoid unintended consequences and potential litigation. The impact on businesses will depend on their specific operations and compliance requirements in relation to the revised FED provisions.</p><h2 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Impact of FED Provisions on the Economy and Taxpayers:</span></b></span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1463" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGa-Qw0Nkv5rg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690810864351?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=-N0KaiGt7kqNkFl1bAkCuYeErFHCJy2MsH9ePQnDDhw" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Note: The table provides a comparative analysis of the positive and negative impacts of the FED provisions on the economy and taxpayers. The "N/A" indicates that the specific aspect does not have a direct positive or negative impact.</span></p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Customs ACT</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Analysis of Pakistan Customs Act's new provisions in the Federal Budget 2023-24. The Pakistan Customs Act plays a crucial role in regulating international trade and collecting revenue for the country. The Federal Budget 2023-24 introduces several amendments and suggestions to the Act to streamline customs services and enhance revenue generation. An analysis of the key provisions is as follows: </p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1464" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQEgbIYokaJBcg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690811003176?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=jkRouQpaalqhrpbqmr9jSFOXhqvTDA4GjRBgmV2RUFo" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Pakistan Customs Logo</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ol style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Definition of Smuggling:</span> The proposed amendment to the definition of 'smuggle' aims to empower Customs authorities to conduct anti-smuggling operations anywhere within Pakistan's territorial jurisdiction. This change provides Customs officials with greater authority to combat smuggling activities effectively. It can positively impact revenue collection by curbing illegal trade and ensuring compliance with customs regulations.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Assistance to Customs Officers:</span> The addition of 'Provincial Levies and Khasadar Force' to the list of government agencies required to assist Customs officers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan further strengthens anti-smuggling operations. This collaboration enhances the enforcement capabilities of Customs and promotes inter-agency coordination, leading to improved border security and revenue protection.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Power to Exempt Goods:</span> The proposal to extend the powers of the Federal Government to grant exemptions for implementing agreements aims to facilitate trade and investment. By providing flexibility in customs duties, the government can incentivize specific industries and attract foreign investment. This measure can stimulate economic growth and promote international cooperation.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Validation of Notifications:</span> Extending the validity of exemption notifications issued after July 1, 2016, until June 30, 2024, provides clarity and certainty to businesses. This amendment ensures that previously issued notifications remain valid, reducing ambiguity and potential disputes. It promotes stability in the business environment and encourages compliance with customs regulations.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Power to Determine Customs Value:</span> The proposed amendment to align the Director of Customs Valuation's powers with the 'World Trade Organization Valuation Agreement' enhances consistency and transparency in customs valuation practices. By consulting internationally recognized sources for valuation purposes, customs officers can determine the customs value of goods accurately. This change promotes fairness in trade and reduces the risk of undervaluation or overvaluation.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Filing of Goods Declaration:</span> Requiring the owner of imported goods to file the Goods Declaration within three days of arrival at the border customs station aims to expedite clearance processes and reduce congestion. This change improves operational efficiency and facilitates trade by streamlining customs procedures.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Penalties:</span> The proposed abolition of penalties for non-placement of invoices/packing lists inside import containers and the restriction of penalties for failure to attach mandatory documents to Goods Declarations can provide relief to traders. Reducing penalties can encourage compliance and reduce the burden on businesses, especially for minor infractions. However, strict penalties for offenses related to smuggling, contravention of import/export restrictions, and dealing with smuggled goods ensure deterrence and protect revenue.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Amendments to Duty Structure:</span> Rationalizing customs duties on specific goods, such as liquid paraffin, ultramarine, industrial fatty alcohols, and various others, aims to align duty rates with industry requirements and trade dynamics. These adjustments in the duty structure can have a mixed impact on revenue generation and trade competitiveness, depending on the specific industries affected.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Exemptions and Reductions in Duty:</span> The proposed exemptions and reductions in customs duty for industries related to renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors aim to incentivize domestic production, promote investment, and ensure the availability of essential goods. These measures support industrial growth and contribute to self-sufficiency in critical sectors.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Advance Ruling:</span> The withdrawal of the option to seek advance rulings on matters involving the interpretation of statutes aligns with the Federal Board of Revenue's domain. This change ensures that matters of legal interpretation remain within the purview of the relevant authorities, maintaining clarity and consistency in decision-making.</li></ol><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The amendments in the Pakistan Customs Act in the Federal Budget 2023-24 aim to enhance customs services, streamline procedures, and promote revenue generation. These changes seek to strike a balance between facilitating trade, protecting revenue, and ensuring compliance with customs regulations. It is important for the government to monitor the implementation of these proposals and assess their impact on revenue collection, trade facilitation, and overall economic growth.</p><h2 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Impact of the New Customs Act Provisions on Business Dynamism and Community Confidence:</span></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The proposed suggestions and amendments in the Pakistan Customs Act can have a significant impact on business dynamism and confidence in the country. Here's how these changes can influence the business environment:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ol style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Streamlined Customs Procedures:</span> The amendments aiming to expedite customs clearance processes, such as the filing of Goods Declaration within a specified time frame, can reduce delays and congestion at border customs stations. This streamlined process enhances business efficiency and facilitates smoother trade operations. It instills confidence in businesses by minimizing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and promoting a more business-friendly environment.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Enhanced Transparency and Clarity:</span> The amendments related to the definition of 'smuggle,' power to determine customs value, and validation of notifications bring greater transparency and clarity to customs regulations. Clear and well-defined rules and procedures build trust among businesses, as they know what to expect and can plan their operations accordingly. This clarity fosters confidence in the fairness and predictability of customs practices.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Incentives for Domestic Industries:</span> The proposed exemptions and reductions in customs duty for various industries, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and others, can stimulate domestic production and attract investment. These measures encourage business growth, job creation, and technological advancements. They signal the government's support for key sectors, instilling confidence in investors and entrepreneurs to expand their operations and contribute to the country's economic development.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Inter-Agency Collaboration:</span> The inclusion of Provincial Levies and Khasadar Force in assisting Customs officers with anti-smuggling operations promotes inter-agency coordination and strengthens border security. Such collaboration ensures effective enforcement of customs regulations and protection against illicit trade. It signals the government's commitment to maintaining a secure business environment and enhancing confidence in trade activities.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Clarity in Penalties and Compliance: </span>The changes in penalties, such as abolishing penalties for minor infractions and introducing minimum thresholds for more significant offenses, bring fairness and proportionality to the penalty system. Clear guidelines on penalties help businesses understand the consequences of non-compliance and ensure a level playing field. This clarity fosters confidence in the system's integrity and encourages voluntary compliance.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness:</span> The amendments that rationalize customs duties and provide exemptions for certain goods aim to promote trade facilitation and competitiveness. By reducing duty burdens on critical sectors and encouraging domestic production, these measures enhance the competitiveness of local businesses. This can attract foreign investment, boost exports, and contribute to overall economic growth, instilling confidence in the country's business potential.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Ease of Doing Business:</span> Simplified customs procedures and reduced bureaucratic red tape contribute to improved ease of doing business. When businesses encounter fewer obstacles and experience smoother processes at the customs level, it enhances their overall perception of the business climate. This, in turn, boosts confidence and encourages both local and foreign businesses to invest, expand operations, and engage in cross-border trade.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Clarity in Valuation and Classification:</span> The amendments related to the determination of customs value and harmonizing them with international standards provide businesses with more clarity on how their goods will be valued. This transparency reduces the risk of arbitrary valuations and disputes, giving businesses greater certainty in their customs obligations. Similarly, having well-defined classifications for goods ensures consistency in tariff rates, enabling businesses to accurately assess costs and plan their import/export strategies.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Trade Compliance and Anti-Smuggling Measures:</span> The expansion of the definition of "smuggle" and the inclusion of provincial levies and security forces in assisting customs officers strengthen anti-smuggling efforts. This sends a clear message that the government is committed to combating illegal trade activities. By curbing smuggling, businesses can operate on a level playing field, ensuring fair competition and protecting legitimate market participants. Strengthened compliance measures enhance business confidence in the integrity and security of trade operations.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Investment and Market Access:</span> The proposed exemptions and reduced customs duties for specific industries and goods can attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and foster market access opportunities. Lower import duties on raw materials and machinery incentivize businesses to invest in local production, creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth. Additionally, reduced duties on specific goods can improve affordability and accessibility, stimulating consumer demand and expanding market opportunities for businesses.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Predictability and Stability:</span> The proposed amendments, such as extending the validity of exemption notifications and aligning regulations with international standards, contribute to a more predictable and stable customs framework. Businesses thrive in environments where rules and regulations remain consistent over time. This predictability allows companies to make long-term investment decisions, plan their supply chains, and allocate resources with confidence, leading to increased business dynamism and economic stability.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:</span> The amendments and proposals indicate the government's willingness to engage with stakeholders, including businesses and industry associations, to understand their needs and address concerns. By actively seeking feedback and considering industry perspectives, the government demonstrates a commitment to inclusive policy-making and fostering an environment conducive to business growth. This collaborative approach fosters trust and confidence among businesses, as they feel heard and supported by the government.</li></ol><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The proposed amendments in the Pakistan Customs Act can positively impact business dynamism and confidence in the country. Streamlined procedures, enhanced transparency, incentives for domestic industries, inter-agency collaboration, clarity in penalties, and trade facilitation measures contribute to a conducive business environment. These changes foster confidence among businesses, attract investment, and promote economic growth, ultimately positioning Pakistan as an attractive destination for trade and commerce.</p><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-size: large;">Sector-wise Impact of the New Customs Act Provisions:</span></span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1465" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQH4b7qtGnheNw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690811219225?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=wBbdnd9FnkXH4vnhuDxCZjGC67hn2EOAdjlaSoYBjmU" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">Sector-wise Impact of the New Customs Act Provisions</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">These changes and benefits are expected to have a positive impact on the economy by promoting investment, boosting local industries, creating employment opportunities, enhancing exports, improving energy efficiency, supporting sustainable development, and improving overall economic growth and self-reliance. The sectors mentioned above are likely to experience growth, increased productivity, and improved competitiveness, contributing to a more dynamic and confident business environment in the country. Additionally, these changes align with the government's objectives of economic diversification, sustainability, and inclusive growth.</span></p><h2 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span color="var(--color-text)"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How the Various Sectors Are Reacting to the Budget 2023-24:</span></b></span></h2><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 in Pakistan has sparked varied reactions from different sectors of the economy. While some sectors are appreciative of the government's initiatives and allocations, others express concerns and disappointment.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The industrial sector welcomes the reduction in customs duties, which is expected to boost industrial growth and attract investments. The agricultural sector applauds the exemptions on customs duties for vital inputs, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. The IT sector celebrates the tax exemptions on IT equipment imports, supporting the growth of the industry. However, the textile sector raises concerns about inadequate taxation of undocumented real estate and trade sectors. The financial and investment experts express concerns about the lack of structural reforms and the challenges in meeting IMF requirements. Overall, the budget's impact on different sectors highlights a mix of positive and negative sentiments, reflecting the diverse perspectives and expectations within the business community.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1466" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQG1KmG311V1iw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690811783683?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=_uU483-0Z9AmHGpCL10sKqqtDZUi2Ni8IcbzH1f-kdg" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;">How the Various Sectors Are Reacting to the Budget 2023-24</figcaption></figure></div><h2 class="reader-text-block__heading1" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 3.2rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.25; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-medium); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Doing Business at the Capital: Embracing Change and Enhancing Opportunities:</span></h2><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--resize" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" height="533" id="ember1467" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQEFf8Qo3UIDRw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690811969900?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=E6IEhPuRUUrooBySG9i6Mo323-965nbizRlwnzn4wxE" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); display: block; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)">Doing Business at the Capital: Embracing Change and Enhancing Opportunities</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Doing business in the capital, Islamabad will be different as a result of the provisions outlined in the Federal Budget 2023. These changes aim to create a more favorable business environment and promote economic growth. Here are some ways in which doing business in Islamabad may be impacted:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Ease of Doing Business for Freelancers: Granting the status of cottage industry to freelance exporters dealing in IT and IT-enabled services eliminates the requirement for registration, sales tax invoicing, and filing tax returns. This simplifies the process for freelance professionals and reduces administrative burdens, making it easier for them to operate and contribute to the digital economy. It promotes a freelance-friendly ecosystem and encourages more individuals to engage in freelance work.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Lower Sales Tax for Restaurants: The reduced sales tax rate on services provided by restaurants, cafes, and food parlors incentivizes dining out by making it more affordable for customers. This reduction from 15% to 5 % applies when payments are made through electronic means, such as debit/credit cards or mobile wallets. It promotes transparency and convenience in transactions, contributing to a more seamless dining experience. This change may attract more customers to restaurants and stimulate growth in the food service industry.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Support for IT and Software Development Services: The reduction in the sales tax rate for software or IT-based system development consultants and the inclusion of IT and IT-enabled services in a lower tax bracket aim to support the growth of the IT industry in Islamabad. This can make IT services more cost-effective for businesses, encouraging their adoption and attracting investment in the sector. It creates opportunities for IT businesses to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the digital transformation of the capital.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Clarification of Tax Treatment for Electric Power Transmission Services: The proposed tax classification of electric power transmission services as services rather than goods under the sales tax ordinance brings clarity to the tax regime. This ensures consistency in the treatment of these services and aligns with their nature. It may impact the operational and financial aspects of power transmission service providers, who will now be subject to sales tax under the appropriate category.</li></ul><p style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The changes aim to create a more business-friendly environment in Islamabad. The measures introduced in the budget promote the growth of key sectors, reduce administrative burdens, provide tax incentives, and encourage digital transactions. By facilitating the operations of freelancers, supporting the restaurant and IT sectors, and ensuring clarity in tax treatments, the business landscape in Islamabad is expected to become more conducive to entrepreneurship, investment, and economic development.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold);">Enhancing Competitiveness and Improving Country’s Attractiveness, The FIPPA Impact:</span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: right; display: flex; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember1468" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFpezvVKkIGtg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690812040950?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=sLCvj1IoTSEnNVCQgwzZr7lNZgID3ewdc7BMjMB7d9I" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></div></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The provisions outlined in the Federal Budget 2023 regarding the Foreign Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 2022 (FIPPA) have the potential to significantly impact the investment climate in Pakistan, fostering a more conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors. Here is a more in-depth analysis of the potential impact in enhancing competitiveness and the country’s attraction for potential investors:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">1. <span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Investor Confidence:</span> The passage of FIPPA and the incorporation of its provisions in fiscal laws send a strong signal to investors that Pakistan is committed to providing a stable and secure investment climate. The legal protection and guarantees offered under FIPPA, coupled with the alignment of fiscal laws, instill confidence in investors by assuring them of the continuity and stability of the regulatory framework.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">2. <span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Attraction of Large-Scale Investments</span>: By empowering the Federal Government to designate investments, sectors, industries, or projects as "Qualified Investments," FIPPA provides a clear framework for identifying priority areas for investment. This designation signals the government's commitment to support and incentivize investments in these sectors, creating a favorable investment climate for large-scale projects. The threshold for qualifying as a "Qualified Investment" is set at a substantial amount, further emphasizing the focus on attracting significant capital inflows.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">3. <span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Investment Incentives and Exemptions:</span> FIPPA's definition of "Investment Incentives" includes exemptions, reductions, and concessions in various federal, provincial, and local duties, charges, taxes, levies, fees, and cesses. These incentives serve as powerful tools to attract investors by reducing the financial burden and improving the competitiveness of investments. The incorporation of these incentives into fiscal laws ensures their enforceability and simplifies the process for investors to avail themselves of these benefits.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">4. <span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Legislative Protection:</span> The concept of "Protected Benefits" provided under FIPPA offers additional legal protection to qualified investments. This provision ensures that any legislated amendments that adversely affect the benefits granted to investors cannot be made. By safeguarding the interests of investors, Pakistan aims to foster trust and long-term commitment from both domestic and foreign investors.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">5. <span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Streamlined Implementation:</span> The alignment of fiscal laws, such as the Income Tax Ordinance, Sales Tax Act, Federal Excise Act, and Customs Act, with FIPPA, streamlines the implementation of investment incentives. By incorporating these concessions into the existing fiscal laws, the government aims to simplify administrative processes and eliminate any potential hurdles that investors may face when availing themselves of the benefits. This streamlining enhances transparency and reduces the burden on investors, making the investment process smoother and more efficient.</p><hr class="reader-divider-block" style="border-bottom: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); border-image: initial; border-left: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); border-right: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15); border-top: solid 1px var(--color-border-faint); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); height: 1px; margin: 1.6rem auto; padding: 0px; width: 720px;" /><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" height="320" id="ember1469" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGnKIxD8iziJA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1690807263257?e=1696464000&v=beta&t=fgGyENxzlL7XjkL8gI0wZuE7x3OzTbYD05da97w1g08" style="background-position: 50% 50%; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" width="180" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 431.997px;">Amir Jahangir</figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAAMSasBEUGfh-dA_Fy13P9NEEYJ67x0xE0" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Amir Jahangir</a></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The author is a global competitiveness, risk, and development expert. He leads Mishal Pakistan, the country partner institute of the Centre for the New Economy and Society Platform at the World Economic Forum. He is a leading strategic communication specialist and an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Program on Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Policy, Technology, and Governance and the Program on National and International Security.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">He can be reached at aj@mishal.com.pk; he tweets at @amirjahangir</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> </p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> </p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> </p></div><span style="font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular);"><a name='more'></a></span></div></div></div></figcaption></figure>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-77769660121146238082023-07-14T10:15:00.000+05:002023-08-01T02:32:07.048+05:00The Future of the Fertilizer Sector in Pakistan.<p> </p><header style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="mt6 relative" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-top: 3.2rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-cover-image__wrapper" style="align-items: center; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; justify-content: center; margin: 0px auto; max-height: 405px; max-width: 720px; overflow: hidden; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><img alt="" class="reader-cover-image__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4485" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGWRMnsafmu9Q/article-cover_image-shrink_423_752/0/1689286622747?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=XlhHUR9_mxttJYZj788mgVkXwFEiyzxiU3LNhZ5Egyo" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></figure></header><div class="relative reader__grid mt6" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); float: none; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 3.2rem !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div data-scaffold-immersive-reader-content="" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-article-content reader-article-content--content-blocks" dir="ltr" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="https://narratives.com.pk/featured/the-future-of-the-fertilizer-sector-in-pakistan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" target="_blank"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4497" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFhQLkdDo9FMQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689286826157?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=6GHY_vnu8YgUE9zuwKipJ3yPx9bPwHn3r3WYyaJY9d8" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" /></div></div></a></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The original article by </span><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAAMSasBEUGfh-dA_Fy13P9NEEYJ67x0xE0" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Amir Jahangir</a></span><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> was published in </span><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><a href="https://narratives.com.pk/featured/the-future-of-the-fertilizer-sector-in-pakistan/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Narratives Magazine</a></span><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"> on 13 July 2023.</span></p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The use of slow-release Fertilizers can help to reduce the amount of fertilizer that is lost to the environment. Additionally, the use of precision agriculture techniques is also being aimed to ensure that fertilizers are applied only where they are needed.</span></h3><div style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The fertilizer sector is a major global industry that plays an important role in food production and the environment. The sector is responsible for the production and distribution of fertilizers, which are essential for crop growth. Fertilizers help to increase crop yields, which can help to feed a growing population. However, the use of fertilizers can also have negative environmental impacts, such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.</span></div><div style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">The global fertilizer market is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for food production and security. The sector is also expected to become more sustainable, with the development of new technologies that reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer use.</span></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Innovations in the sector are setting new benchmarks and global standards. The use of slow-release fertilizers can help to reduce the amount of fertilizer that is lost to the environment. Additionally, the use of precision agriculture techniques is also being aimed to ensure that fertilizers are applied only where they are needed.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector in Pakistan contributed significantly to the country's GDP. The fertilizer sector contributes ~4.4% to the large-scale manufacturing (LSM) sector of Pakistan and ~0.9% to the overall GDP, or PKR 100 billion. This makes the fertilizer sector one of the largest contributors to the country's economy.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector contributes to the GDP in several ways. First, the sector generates direct employment for almost 100,000 people. Second, the sector generates indirect employment for more than 200,000 people in the transportation, marketing, and retail sectors. Third, the sector generates tax revenue of more than Rs. 100 billion for the governments.</p><h4 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Contribution of the Fertilizer Sector in Pakistan's Economy</h4><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4498" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHf35DggtB_Yw/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689287132044?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=Nqr2qlNrpIt4y63yBdCioEBlXNjvFx6LJ6aM8BPcQpc" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><i>Contribution of the Fertilizer Sector in Pakistan's Economy</i></figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The total employment generated by the fertilizer sector in Pakistan is estimated to be about 286,250 jobs. This number includes both direct and indirect employment.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector is a major employer in Pakistan, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The sector's employment generation is an important part of the economy, and it helps to boost economic growth.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing demand for food production in Pakistan and beyond. The sector is also expected to become more efficient, which will lead to further growth and improvements in the competitiveness of the sector.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Some of the factors that are driving the growth of the fertilizer sector in Pakistan are:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Increasing demand for food:</span> The population of Pakistan is growing, and this is leading to increasing demand for food. Fertilizers are essential for increasing crop yields, so the demand for fertilizers is expected to grow in line with the demand for food.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Government support:</span> The government of Pakistan is providing support to the fertilizer sector. This includes subsidies on fertilizers and tax breaks for fertilizer companies, including fuel subsidies and other incentives.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Investment in research and development:</span> The fertilizer sector in Pakistan is investing in research and development. This is leading to the development of new and more efficient fertilizer products. This might help in mitigating the climate change impact of the sector in greenhouse gas emissions.</li></ul><p></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector in Pakistan has witnessed promising growth from 1947 to 2030, with an intriguing growth rate. However, this growth does not come without its share of challenges that need to be addressed.</p><h4 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Fertilizer Sector Growth in Pakistan from 1947 to 2030:</span></h4><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector faces numerous challenges globally, including rising input costs, increasing competition, and stricter environmental regulations. However, the sector is also making progress in addressing these challenges. For example, the sector is developing new technologies to reduce the cost of production, and it is working with governments to develop more sustainable fertilizer policies.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><b>The Fertilizer Sector Growth in Pakistan from 1947 to 2030:</b></span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4499" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQET5tlenWBmwg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1689302139069?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=gh-BqozwBUpCt1YkM71GbNITm3fF2gILBgHbGPw4hPg" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><i>The Fertilizer Sector Growth in Pakistan from 1947 to 2030:</i></figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector is a major contributor to the global economy. The sector employs millions of people around the world, and it generates billions of dollars in revenue. The sector also plays an important role in food security, as it helps to ensure that there is enough food to feed the world's population.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector faces numerous challenges globally, including rising input costs, increasing competition, and stricter environmental regulations. However, the sector is also making progress in addressing these challenges. For example, the sector is developing new technologies to reduce the cost of production, and it is working with governments to develop more sustainable fertilizer policies.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">In Pakistan, the fertilizer sector is facing challenges on multiple fronts, but it is also expected to benefit from a number of future trends. The sector will need to adapt to these trends in order to remain competitive and meet the needs of farmers.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">One of the biggest challenges facing the fertilizer sector in Pakistan is the rising cost of inputs. The cost of natural gas, which is used to produce fertilizer, has been increasing in recent years. This has led to higher fertilizer prices, which has made it difficult for farmers to afford the fertilizers they need.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Another challenge facing the fertilizer sector in Pakistan is the increasing competition from imported fertilizers. Pakistan imports a significant amount of fertilizer from countries like China and India. These countries have lower production costs, which allows them to sell their fertilizers at a lower price. The Government of Pakistan has allocated an amount of Rs.6 billion for the subsidy on imported urea fertilizer for the year 2023-24.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--right-align" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; float: right; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); margin-left: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" height="400" id="ember4500" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFC9jis_0KzhA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1689302374281?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=f9PkCKIch41AbHaQPTLUwK0nHB7P8jHRuligJxhhy1M" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 432px; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);" width="251" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 431.997px;"><i>Fertilizer Sector Globally</i></figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Despite these challenges, the fertilizer sector in Pakistan is expected to benefit from a number of future trends. One of the most important trends is the increasing global demand for food. The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and this will put a strain on the world's food supply. Pakistan is one of the countries that is expected to experience the most significant population growth, and this will lead to an increase in the demand for food.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">International stakeholders are taking a keen interest in considering Pakistan as the future breadbasket of the world. The investments being made in recent years by international stakeholders to enhance Pakistan’s food security potential is a significant amount to make the food security and the fertilizer sector the engine of growth for the economy. The majority of investments are in the areas of agriculture and water, which are two of the most important factors in ensuring food security in Pakistan. The investments from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Japan are all expected to help improve food security in Pakistan.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The investments will be used to support a variety of projects, such as the development of irrigation infrastructure, agricultural research, and the promotion of agricultural exports. The investments are a positive sign for the future of food security in Pakistan, and it is likely that there will be more international investment in the coming years.</p><h4 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">International Investments Made by Countries in Pakistan for Strengthening Food Security:</h4><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4501" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGj_9O91_82Dg/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689302522892?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=TtUVaKtRYNMPqvt16-1IHpkjsTqO6U7n40Ycu4v_vhI" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><i>International Investments Made by Countries in Pakistan for Strengthening Food Security</i></figcaption></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Japanese government is considering investing $100 million in Pakistan's agriculture sector. The investment would be used to support the development of irrigation infrastructure, agricultural research, and the promotion of agricultural exports.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The significant amount of investments and Its positive impact on the future of food security in Pakistan. However, it is important to note that this is just the initial investment. It is likely that there will be more international investment in Pakistan's food security sector in the coming years. It is ultimately creating more business opportunities for the Fertilizer sector in Pakistan.</p><h4 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">International Multilateral Assistance that </span>Pakistan Receives <span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">to Enhance its Food Security:</span></h4><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4502" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFbZAdZy-LruA/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689302906505?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=Qv9PeTVWa-tp5GdfUSzpllDSjM6V-uVjFwu1eG5rc7U" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure><div><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figcaption class="display-block mt2 full-width text-body-small-open t-sans text-align-center t-black--light" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: var(--artdeco-typography-sans); font-size: var(--font-size-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-regular); line-height: var(--line-height-open); margin-top: 0.8rem !important; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: center !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;"><i>International multilateral assistance to Pakistan for the enhancement of food security</i></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The funding for food security in Pakistan has been provided over a period of many years. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have been providing funding for food security in Pakistan since the early years. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been providing food assistance to people in need since 2010. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been providing technical assistance in the areas of agriculture, water, and food security since 2000.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The nature of funding has also varied over time. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have provided loans and grants for food security projects. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has provided cash and food for food assistance. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has provided technical assistance.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The total amount of funding that has been provided by these agencies is estimated to be over $5 billion. This funding has helped to improve food security in Pakistan, but there is still more work to be done. The government of Pakistan needs to continue to invest in agriculture, water, and food security. The NGOs also need to continue to provide their services. With continued investment and effort, Pakistan can achieve food security for its people.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The food security investments in Pakistan are likely to have a significant impact on the fertilizer sector. The investments will lead to increased demand for fertilizers, government policies that promote the use of fertilizers, improved access to credit for farmers, and increased competition in the fertilizer sector.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">One way in which food security investments can impact the fertilizer sector is through increased demand for fertilizers. Investments in agriculture will lead to increased demand for fertilizers because fertilizers are essential for increasing crop yields. As farmers produce more crops, they will need to use more fertilizers to help their crops grow.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Another way in which food security investments can impact the fertilizer sector is through government policies that promote the use of fertilizers. The government may introduce policies such as subsidies on fertilizers or tax breaks for fertilizer companies. These policies will make it more affordable for farmers to purchase fertilizers, which will increase demand.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The food security investments may also lead to improved access to credit for farmers. This will make it easier for farmers to purchase fertilizers, which will increase demand. Additionally, investments in agriculture may also lead to increased competition in the fertilizer sector. This will drive down prices and improve the quality of fertilizers.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector will need to play a role in meeting global and domestic demand by increasing production and improving the efficiency of fertilizer use. The sector will also need to adapt to the growing use of sustainable agricultural practices. These practices often require the use of fertilizers, but they can also help to reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer use.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The government of Pakistan is also committed to improving the lives of farmers. The government is investing in research and development to help farmers improve their productivity. The fertilizer sector will need to work with the government to ensure that farmers have access to the fertilizers they need to be productive.</p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Future Implications for the Fertilizer Sector:</h3><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector is a vital part of the global food system. The sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and it is likely to become more sustainable in the future. The sector is a complex and constantly evolving industry. However, it is clear that the sector plays an important role in global food security. The sector is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and it is likely to become more sustainable in the future.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">In the vast agricultural landscapes of Pakistan, where farmers toil under the scorching sun to feed the nation, a new wave of innovation is sweeping through the fields. Artificial Intelligence (AI), a groundbreaking technology, is making its mark on the fertilizer sector, promising to transform farming practices and revolutionize crop production in the Pakistani context.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The fertilizer sector in Pakistan is facing a number of challenges, including the rise of new technologies, the need for increased efficiency, and the changing labor market. However, there are also a number of opportunities for the sector, such as the growing demand for food and the increasing focus on sustainable agriculture.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">One of the biggest challenges facing the fertilizer sector is the rise of new technologies. In recent years, there have been a number of new technologies developed that have the potential to revolutionize the fertilizer industry. For example, precision agriculture technologies can be used to target fertilizer applications more precisely, which can help to reduce the amount of fertilizer used and improve crop yields.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Another challenge facing the fertilizer sector is the need for increased efficiency. The fertilizer industry is a very energy-intensive industry, and there is a growing focus on reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer production. As a result, the fertilizer industry is under pressure to become more efficient.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The labor market is also changing, which is presenting challenges for the fertilizer sector. The labor force in Pakistan is becoming more educated, and there is a growing demand for skilled workers in the fertilizer industry. As a result, the fertilizer industry will need to invest in training and education in order to attract and retain skilled workers.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The future of the fertilizer sector in Pakistan is uncertain due to policy uncertainty. However, there are a number of challenges and opportunities that the sector will need to address in order to remain competitive. By investing in new technologies, increasing efficiency, and addressing the changing labor market, the fertilizer sector in Pakistan can position itself for success in the years to come.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The other factors that could impact the future of the fertilizer sector in Pakistan:</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><ul style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); line-height: 1.75; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The government's policies on fertilizer subsidies.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The development of new agricultural markets in Pakistan.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The increasing use of organic fertilizers.</li><li style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: 0.8rem 0px 0.8rem 3.2rem; padding-left: 0.8rem; text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The impact of climate change on agriculture.</li></ul><p></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-align: justify; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The future of the fertilizer sector in Pakistan is complex and uncertain. However, by understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, governments and businesses can position themselves for success in the years to come. A predictive model for the evolution of the Fertilizer sector and the policy framework around it shows the following roadmap:</p><h3 class="reader-text-block__heading2" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 2.4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.33333; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-small); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 3.2rem 0px; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">The Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) on Various Aspects of Fertilizer Usage in 2023, 2030, and 2035 in the Pakistani context:</span></h3><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4503" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHTDuPy2Oz2Dw/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689303985460?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=3ZZEn1g4Hh2U10G6Mz0FRLUfhyWRjYMLDvnMuw1qnaE" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4504" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGFmvRI0L5xZQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689304015398?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=WGn5Grwrk8QHQbPOdXVd960UolpeJwA1Yszjk2zS54I" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4505" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFtQ2thy6ZfbQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689304029417?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=QfoILq_jmKVNCJMofViaa5fftGQI3WX-hXLq46zCcb0" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4506" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHATQ4k-w1YWw/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689304044561?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=-QHj0GJk-j7qmBCASqs3irtcN4PDIojlrr-Wzm5b4vk" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4507" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHOn3d8S3sZ9g/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689304066351?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=mbkriVrzMRa2xCEkpbhX-nd1MfmPoxP_PwKWMRhJlHk" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4508" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQEw-H3Dk6Kdlw/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1689304080105?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=AXZxo06ZEfyftDzqMHVYRvtRayMgwaInvfUO4n4E_5o" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4509" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQFBFgsNXf3Fzg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1689304093697?e=1694649600&v=beta&t=_SeVEPrbmSpDqm6XJlbhuLm0IQKWUAlvEjQVnW5axxQ" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><i>Please note that the table represents potential advancements and policy decisions based on the application of AI and IoT in the fertilizer sector within Pakistan. The actual progress and policy requirements may vary based on technological advancements, adoption rates, regulatory frameworks, government priorities, and other contextual factors specific to the Pakistani agricultural landscape.</i></span></p></div></div></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-84872281979391279032023-06-16T05:00:00.004+05:002023-06-16T05:07:16.947+05:00Fahd Haroon, Reassures the Vision of Quaid-e-Azam that “Pakistan is and will remain the Pivot of the World.” <h2 style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="color: #343541; font-size: 16pt;">Fahd Haroon, Reassures the Vision of Quaid-e-Azam that “Pakistan is and will remain the Pivot of the World.”</span></b><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span></b></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-US">Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Fahd Haroon, Condemns Violence and Visits Jinnah House to Show Solidarity.</span></b><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="text-align: justify;"> </span></h3><div><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px; text-align: justify;">Mr.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px; text-align: justify;">Fahd Haroon, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan with the status of Minister of State for Public Communication and Digital Platforms, visited the historic Jinnah House in Lahore today to express solidarity with the people of Pakistan and condemn the forces working against the interests and stability of the country. Mr. Haroon's visit comes in the wake of recent violent incidents and damage to the Corps Commander House on May 9th, 2023. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEetrn2NRXFkj_li598Y3PZvlTs0n7JF6ccRblEWpdGs5Vtw5hI4kzeBg6oB2cdJHnTPp74gAUkwkMf4Vl3OJM2DsTznPhbJz8fqY6-9HCcakRFcw1h41O2KZdVPul3XWuGhAr5mi7zreoDBcKxBHi69I03TB9rqKlfdeJgNpDvXrvlWD-7DjhJA/s1938/Photo%20-%20Fahd%20Haroon%20Reassures%20the%20Vision%20of%20Quaid-e-Azam%20that%20-%20Pakistan%20is%20and%20will%20remain%20the%20Pivot%20of%20the%20World.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1938" data-original-width="770" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEetrn2NRXFkj_li598Y3PZvlTs0n7JF6ccRblEWpdGs5Vtw5hI4kzeBg6oB2cdJHnTPp74gAUkwkMf4Vl3OJM2DsTznPhbJz8fqY6-9HCcakRFcw1h41O2KZdVPul3XWuGhAr5mi7zreoDBcKxBHi69I03TB9rqKlfdeJgNpDvXrvlWD-7DjhJA/w254-h640/Photo%20-%20Fahd%20Haroon%20Reassures%20the%20Vision%20of%20Quaid-e-Azam%20that%20-%20Pakistan%20is%20and%20will%20remain%20the%20Pivot%20of%20the%20World.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">During his visit, Mr. Fahd Haroon made a pledge to the people of Pakistan that such incidents would never ever be allowed to happen anywhere in the country. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, unity, and security. He expressed the government's commitment to holding the culprits accountable and making sure that those responsible for the violence and vandalism are put to Justice because of their acts of barbarism and savagery done on May 9th, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">The Corps Commander House, also known as Jinnah House, holds immense historical significance as the official residence of the Lahore Corps Commander. Owned initially by Mohan Lal Bashin, it was acquired by the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in 1943. Since Quaid-e-Azam's death, it has served as the official residence for the Corps Commander of Lahore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">Mr. Fahd Haroon expressed deep concern over the damage inflicted upon this historical property and its contents. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure that all those who have damaged the property and committed treachery are brought to justice and ensure that justice is served.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">Mr. Haroon reaffirmed his unwavering commitment and love for the nation during his visit. In a heartfelt gesture, he dedicated a message to the visitor's book, reassuring the vision of Quaid-e-Azam that Pakistan is and will remain the Pivot of the World.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">Jinnah House, a symbol of Pakistan's rich history and heritage, holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis. As Mr. Haroon walked through the halls of this iconic bungalow, he was filled with a deep sense of patriotism and admiration for the sacrifices made by the founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">Expressing his love and dedication for Pakistan, Mr. Fahd Haroon said, "Pakistan, the Pivot of the World, continues to be the embodiment of our dreams and aspirations. I reaffirm our commitment to Quaid-e-Azam's vision and pledge to work tirelessly to safeguard the interests and stability of our great nation." Through his heartfelt message, Mr. Haroon emphasized the enduring significance of Pakistan on the global stage and its role as a pivotal player in shaping the world's future. He highlighted the country's unwavering determination to uphold the principles of freedom, democracy, and progress.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">Mr. Haroon's visit to Jinnah House served as a poignant reminder of the responsibility placed upon the shoulders of every Pakistani to carry forward the legacy of the nation's founding father. He urged the people of Pakistan to unite in their love for the country and to work together to overcome challenges and achieve prosperity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to creating a prosperous and inclusive Pakistan, where every citizen has equal opportunities for growth and success. He emphasized the importance of preserving Pakistan's rich cultural heritage and fostering an environment of harmony and unity among all communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;">Fahd Haroon holds the position of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan with the status of Minister of State. With a strong background in public service, media management, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the nation, Mr. Haroon is dedicated to promoting peace, unity, and progress in Pakistan.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="191" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QLiHTDrBTa4" width="230" youtube-src-id="QLiHTDrBTa4"></iframe> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="190" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zDy_hsiL-jw" width="228" youtube-src-id="zDy_hsiL-jw"></iframe></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><br /><span face=""Calibri Light", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.866667px;"><br /></span><p></p><br />AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-53422046588933033042023-05-16T19:30:00.009+05:002023-05-17T20:19:54.715+05:00 IBA Karachi launches a new office in Islamabad expanding its nationwide imprint <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">IBA Karachi launches a new office in Islamabad expanding its nationwide imprint.</span></h1><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdYBsHSi-ilgguKs4BZKlVL_fh_DhJ4HteIMJMnP_bZeyY3V-HgRAE1fqSzTzg4ih8JEietJTvjkhWOexIW1-yv1G0f3FOtxrLnLafgTsNEiyK4j5TwrzZ-AAUzYOUYfjWXpr1z_m2Xck8n3unXQdFK1jjWawCiNzNhMN0mDIwzexUTig_8-5JTw/s1658/IBA%20in%20Islamabad%20Launch%20Event%20-%20MOU%20between%20IBA%20CEE%20and%20NIBAF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1658" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdYBsHSi-ilgguKs4BZKlVL_fh_DhJ4HteIMJMnP_bZeyY3V-HgRAE1fqSzTzg4ih8JEietJTvjkhWOexIW1-yv1G0f3FOtxrLnLafgTsNEiyK4j5TwrzZ-AAUzYOUYfjWXpr1z_m2Xck8n3unXQdFK1jjWawCiNzNhMN0mDIwzexUTig_8-5JTw/w640-h429/IBA%20in%20Islamabad%20Launch%20Event%20-%20MOU%20between%20IBA%20CEE%20and%20NIBAF.png" width="640" /></a></div></span></h1><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Islamabad, has inaugurated a dedicated facility in the federal capital.</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The inauguration was attended by more than 200 participants from diverse fields. Focusing on IBA Karachi's executive and organizational development philosophy, the new office will offer leadership and management development programs for family businesses, public sectors, state-owned enterprises, and corporates in the northern regions. IBA aims to bring opportunities for organizations and individuals through action learning-based capacity-building initiatives, research, forums, think tanks, and consultancies. This venture will help meet the increasing demands of today's business world.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Attendees from IBA included Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director; Dr. Asad Ilyas, Registrar; Dr. Abdullah Zafar Sheikh, Dean, School of Business Studies (SBS); Dr. Shakeel Khoja, Dean, School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS); Dr. Irum Saba, Associate Professor, SBS; Kamran Bilgrami, Director CEE; Dr. Sharjeel Hasnie, Head of Testing Services; and members of the Board of Governors (BoG), namely, Nadeem Hussain, Saba Kamal, Muhammad Mureed Rahimoon, and Mohammed Sohail, Alumni Representative on the BoG.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yXWcjvVp3bs-WmFBNai4urVxel0aTruxzJYq_obGFEaHfkVekF7zPFxwW-frqFAsQuW5ynReW-wzUsryq8t01BeiHol5VD-TGvOrR9GEpfqWa-jzEo6-Azm0dEY4yB9ssNYu3-AkGLo_gmqG2iTYUGFq925sPJ_cip3znFZeibbEAesxZkKTSFY/s1600/a6cbb77d-9b1d-4e70-912e-98d89acbc319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yXWcjvVp3bs-WmFBNai4urVxel0aTruxzJYq_obGFEaHfkVekF7zPFxwW-frqFAsQuW5ynReW-wzUsryq8t01BeiHol5VD-TGvOrR9GEpfqWa-jzEo6-Azm0dEY4yB9ssNYu3-AkGLo_gmqG2iTYUGFq925sPJ_cip3znFZeibbEAesxZkKTSFY/w640-h426/a6cbb77d-9b1d-4e70-912e-98d89acbc319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The event commenced with a welcome note from IBA alumnus and MOC, Sibtain Naqvi. The IBA Islamabad Office at NIBAF was inaugurated by Akif Saeed, Chief Guest and Chairman, Securities, and Exchange Commission of Pakistan; Riaz Chunara, Managing Director, NIBAF; and Dr. Zaidi.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. Bilgrami stated, "This transformative partnership will open new avenues for our students and faculty to engage with industry professionals. By combining our strengths, we can bridge the gap between academia and industry and create a positive impact on education, fostering innovation in Pakistan."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N3wC9GH17Z1rix83kTdFZrI5qKhuymGevYo7ev6yaaae0aDFVIBs83aqiThm76RddDZ2maITzWx-6zFJkKgKxaiSZadDEVkX6w_n_eeMG7bIs2HLJr0C_8IsCIKr0cs5W9JXu-7EEtYKOsqv4ILQtFRaeh99Jz4nJz05dyCGI9BkFFKp4uRuKK0/s1600/7d99ef80-8605-46a9-ab6b-4f15bf9331b3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N3wC9GH17Z1rix83kTdFZrI5qKhuymGevYo7ev6yaaae0aDFVIBs83aqiThm76RddDZ2maITzWx-6zFJkKgKxaiSZadDEVkX6w_n_eeMG7bIs2HLJr0C_8IsCIKr0cs5W9JXu-7EEtYKOsqv4ILQtFRaeh99Jz4nJz05dyCGI9BkFFKp4uRuKK0/w640-h426/7d99ef80-8605-46a9-ab6b-4f15bf9331b3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mr. Chunara emphasized the importance of academia-industry collaboration, stating, "We believe that through this partnership, we can address critical issues such as corporate governance and digital transformation. By working together, we can foster a culture of innovation and equip professionals with the skills needed to excel in their respective fields."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dr. Zaidi commented on IBA’s new facility: "I am truly impressed by the transformative potential of this collaboration between IBA and NIBAF. This strategic alliance opens new horizons for executive education and knowledge exchange, particularly in the areas of corporate governance, public policy, and digital transformation. I am confident that this partnership will pave the way for impactful initiatives and create a lasting impact on our education and learning landscape." He added that together, we can empower professionals across various sectors to enhance their skills and contribute to the progress of Pakistan.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIt7M0Hyr6MToulmdifcxNwyFKtbb570k-gJ7ODDTBOZ9l5AWzOxRfof4e3oMgzyzQeeoMMMk-g20mlRru3cByzsWWjgNGXyBdE1kh5aqtDP-ecux7GMEJLjSnE2LoOs7yEEpF4zBi4iGsK5QNW0aplhL_x0mJWU9aRJ6xMGKvwmqw-pentMHfH4/s1600/fc6f3bf1-1441-468b-afca-91d632cd1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIt7M0Hyr6MToulmdifcxNwyFKtbb570k-gJ7ODDTBOZ9l5AWzOxRfof4e3oMgzyzQeeoMMMk-g20mlRru3cByzsWWjgNGXyBdE1kh5aqtDP-ecux7GMEJLjSnE2LoOs7yEEpF4zBi4iGsK5QNW0aplhL_x0mJWU9aRJ6xMGKvwmqw-pentMHfH4/w640-h426/fc6f3bf1-1441-468b-afca-91d632cd1215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A panel discussion on the future of executive education in Pakistan also took place. Panelists included Sadia Khan, Javed Iqbal, and Dr. Khoja. CEE Trainer, Bulent Sohail, moderated the discussion.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earlier, IBA and NIBAF inked an MoU to establish a remote IBA office at NIBAF, Islamabad. Under this agreement, the two institutes will offer joint leadership and management development programs. Mementos were presented to the esteemed guests by Dr. Zaidi.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mr. Bilgrami concluded the evening by sharing his final thoughts and thanking the attendees for their participation. The evening came to an end with a networking dinner.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About IBA-CEE: IBA Karachi has been offering Professional Development Programs since its inception in 1955, and the CEE was formally established in 2004. The CEE has a strong network of local and global faculty members and collaborations. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Currently, it offers capacity-building programs in several cities for Enterprises, Public Sector Organizations, and Family Businesses. </span></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com01 Pitras Bukhari Rd, H-8/1 H 8/1 H-8, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.677516 73.06486625.3672821638211516 37.9086162 61.987749836178843 108.2211162tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-82921514828668627952023-05-09T20:12:00.000+05:002023-05-09T20:12:24.178+05:00Google Career Certificates 2.0 Official Launch in Pakistan: Addressing the Digital Skills Gap and Empowering the Workforce<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Google Career Certificates 2.0 Official Launch in Pakistan: Addressing the Digital Skills Gap and Empowering the Workforce</span></h1><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-display-large); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fahd Haroon, Emphasized the Need for Courses on Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cyber Security for Pakistani youth to Learn and become Part of the Global Workforce.</span></span></h3><div class="relative reader__grid mt6" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); float: none; font-size: 16px; margin-top: var(--spacer-6) !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-article-content reader-article-content--content-blocks" dir="ltr" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Google, in partnership with TechValley and the Institute of Rural Management (IRM), officially launched Google Career Certificates 2.0 in Pakistan at a prestigious event attended by key figures from the government and the IT sector. The event was graced by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Syed Amin Ul Haque, Mr. Fahd Haroon, Minister of State/Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms, and Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Senior Google representatives from the region.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mr. Fahd Haroon emphasized the need for training and skills development as priority areas, highlighting the significant gap in digital skills within the Pakistani workforce. He underscored the importance of digital skills in today's economy and called for a collaborative approach between stakeholders, including Google, TechValley, IRM, the government, and educational institutions, to advance Pakistan's digital workforce together.</span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper ivm-view-attr__img-wrapper--use-img-tag display-flex
" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: flex !important; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img evi-image lazy-image ember-view" id="ember2263" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGV0oBQjiICow/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1683643467434?e=1689206400&v=beta&t=CpFkTq4yU9odsE_fsNfGpY_Z4kLBHjcLHDZw52DFKSU" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></div></div></span></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mr. Haroon expressed his gratitude to Google for creating 44,500 new scholarships, with a special emphasis on offering 50% of these scholarships to the female population in the country. He also acknowledged Google's commitment to Pakistan's digital growth by launching three new courses - Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cyber Security.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_C2enm8Nl-vqcUHfmP0af_HgzBMYV6HUXpsIsNd_LM0WFthfHSqcAZLX1EZnDyj6eZqGXMdZoz1J0r4nAnFxSUeeC89MwnQDme954hz_R0vHpjGYhAuAVP39FejRWp3jYQnjGiYMwx34Un7V4VRW35oyRKKZ5-wHPADefW3mmc3hx5eKy2DFmsY/s2000/2000x950_Google_Certifications_Announcement_blog.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="2000" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_C2enm8Nl-vqcUHfmP0af_HgzBMYV6HUXpsIsNd_LM0WFthfHSqcAZLX1EZnDyj6eZqGXMdZoz1J0r4nAnFxSUeeC89MwnQDme954hz_R0vHpjGYhAuAVP39FejRWp3jYQnjGiYMwx34Un7V4VRW35oyRKKZ5-wHPADefW3mmc3hx5eKy2DFmsY/w640-h304/2000x950_Google_Certifications_Announcement_blog.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-family: arial; font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Google Pakistan, said, "We are proud to introduce digital skills along with soft skills courses for Pakistani talent to rise into this new world of technology, with a particular focus on women and youth."</span><p></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pakistan has a working-age population of approximately 85.75 million, with a significant portion of the population under the age of 30. This young and growing workforce requires access to quality education and training opportunities to realize their potential and contribute to the country's economic development.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">Google Career Certificates 2.0, a program designed to make (aspiring) professionals job-ready in six months, was introduced at the event. The program aims to provide targeted skills training to help participants rapidly qualify for in-demand jobs. Industry experts and thought leaders also attended the launch, discussing strategies and initiatives for advancing Pakistan's digital economy collectively.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">During the event, Google presented various case studies and shared success stories of recently graduated professionals from the Google Career Certificate program in Pakistan. The program has already made a significant impact on the lives of many Pakistani professionals, equipping them with the necessary digital skills to excel in their careers and contribute to the country's digital economy.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Google Career Certificates 2.0 program is a testament to the importance of addressing the digital skills gap in Pakistan and empowering the workforce with the right tools and training. With the continued support of key stakeholders and the government, this program aims to create a brighter future for Pakistan's digital workforce and economy.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Future of Jobs Report 2023 shows that cognitive skills and management skills are the most critical skills required by the workforce, with 25% and 19% of organizations ranking them as essential, respectively. Other critical skills include technical skills, attitudes, and working with others, with 18%, 15%, and 9% of organizations ranking them as essential, respectively. The Report also shows that the skills required for reskilling focus on creative thinking, AI and big data, leadership and social influence, design and user experience, and analytical thinking, among others.</span></p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: arial;">For more information on the Google Career Certificates 2.0 program, visit <a href="https://grow.google/intl/en_pk/certificates/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">https://grow.google/intl/en_pk/certificates/</a></span></p></div></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.0478847999999915.3741863638211527 37.891634799999991 61.994654036178844 108.20413479999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-17458125286636913892023-05-01T01:19:00.004+05:002023-05-01T01:19:58.753+05:00Pakistan and UAE Discuss Food Security Initiatives for Vulnerable Populations<p><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;">Pakistan and UAE Discuss Food Security Initiatives for Vulnerable Populations</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms, Fahd Haroon, meets with UAE Consul General in Karachi, H.E. Bakheet Al Romaithi to discuss the importance of public communication and UAE's food program for Pakistan.</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms, Fahd Haroon, met with H.E. Bakheet Al Romaithi, United Arab Emirates Consul General in Karachi<span lang="EN-US">.</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US">They both</span> discuss<span lang="EN-US">ed</span> the importance of public communication in raising awareness about food security<span lang="EN-US"> and the impacts of climate change. </span>The meeting centered around the UAE food program for Pakistan, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCzzeiRCWqem2CAXuo16r_i87n6DsO2pLRiQ9TiTEGrqBCtgclJmRTJoNDd0Zp4QDTQOPn_85r-zk_BGisd-Nml3OwYCjB2CjR-wlFDkP_wXAMBZfwobzNxiEnQQWX9E6UYLCHP_Yg1BbD7vFBoVgwzeRUyT7NZWDQ1GoSxW9scz9szgRDoP2Ngs/s1361/Minister%20of%20State%20and%20Special%20Assistant%20to%20the%20Prime%20Minister%20on%20Public%20Communication%20and%20Digital%20Platforms,%20Fahd%20Haroon,%20meets%20with%20UAE%20Consul%20General%20in%20Karachi,%20H.E.%20Bakheet%20Al%20Romaithi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1361" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCzzeiRCWqem2CAXuo16r_i87n6DsO2pLRiQ9TiTEGrqBCtgclJmRTJoNDd0Zp4QDTQOPn_85r-zk_BGisd-Nml3OwYCjB2CjR-wlFDkP_wXAMBZfwobzNxiEnQQWX9E6UYLCHP_Yg1BbD7vFBoVgwzeRUyT7NZWDQ1GoSxW9scz9szgRDoP2Ngs/w640-h560/Minister%20of%20State%20and%20Special%20Assistant%20to%20the%20Prime%20Minister%20on%20Public%20Communication%20and%20Digital%20Platforms,%20Fahd%20Haroon,%20meets%20with%20UAE%20Consul%20General%20in%20Karachi,%20H.E.%20Bakheet%20Al%20Romaithi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">During the meeting, Mr. Haroon also informed a visiting media delegation</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">from the UAE </span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">about the initiatives taken by Pakistan, particularly in the Sindh province, to combat food insecurity. The Consul General expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the government of Sindh and UAE on the ‘Emirates Humanitarian’ medical campaign in Pakistan's southern Sindh province to provide health facilities to the poor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Pakistan and UAE have a long history of friendly relations, with the UAE serving as a trusted ally for Pakistan. The UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme (UAE-PAP) reflects His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's love for the people of Pakistan. The program has provided assistance in various social and humanitarian fields, including health, poverty alleviation, education, and disaster relief.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Acute Malnutrition analysis, acute malnutrition is at a Critical level in eight districts in Sindh and at a Serious level in one district. The UAE's food assistance program aims to address this pressing issue. As per the data, the overall malnutrition prevalence in Pakistan is 38.3%, with 17.7 million stunted and 9.7 million wasted children under five years of age.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">In the past, UAE has executed several humanitarian assistance programs in Pakistan, including the UAE Polio Vaccination Campaign, which vaccinated over 86 million Pakistani children under the age of five between 2014 and December 2020. UAE's assistance in the healthcare sector has helped Pakistan combat various diseases and increase life expectancy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Pakistan and the UAE share a strong trade relationship with a significant Pakistani population residing in the UAE. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan received $531.4 million in remittances from the UAE in 2022. The UAE is Pakistan's biggest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa region, with exports from the UAE to Pakistan amounting to $7.13 billion in 2021. The main products exported from the UAE to Pakistan were refined petroleum, crude petroleum, and scrap iron. During the last 18 years, exports of the UAE to Pakistan have increased at an annualized rate of 9.57%, from $1.38 billion in 2003 to $7.13 billion in 2021.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Pakistan exported $1.28 billion worth of products to the UAE in 2021, with refined petroleum, bovine meat, and rice being the primary products. The exports of Pakistan to the UAE have increased at an annualized rate of 0.74%, from $1.12 billion in 2003 to $1.28 billion in 2021.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The meeting between Mr. Haroon and the Consul General reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and UAE to address food insecurity and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. The UAE's food assistance program, along with Pakistan's initiatives in the Sindh province, will help address the issue of malnutrition in Pakistan.</span></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan24.8607343 67.0011364-3.4494995361788447 31.844886399999993 53.170968136178843 102.1573864tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-11994471003037587072023-04-27T22:05:00.001+05:002023-04-27T22:09:52.686+05:00Mahaana Wealth Pioneers Pakistan's First Digital Shariah Compliant Money Market Fund under SEC's Digital AMC Framework<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><h1 style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 24pt;">First Fund Launched Under the Digital AMC Framework of SEC Pakistan by Mahaana Wealth.</span></b></span></h1><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></b></p><h3 style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahaana launches Shariah Compliant Money Market Fund for retail investors. Every step of the process has been automated, making it fast, secure, and hassle-free for investors. Empowering the investors with privacy and security control over their assets.</span></span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">PK – 27 April 2023 - </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">The recent economic situation in Pakistan has put a large population to face job insecurities and economic hardships for various reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and economic downturns. Families without a steady income are particularly vulnerable during these challenging times. With the absence of a citizen-friendly and efficient safety net in Pakistan, the citizens are left with no option to plan and secure their economic future.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Realizing the economic hardships the country and its citizens are going through, Mahaana Wealth has launched Pakistan’s first fixed income Islamic fund under the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan's (SECP) Digital Asset Management Company (AMC) framework. The launch of this fund marks a major milestone in Pakistan's financial landscape, as the first digital asset management company goes live in the country. The fund will be offered to a limited number of clients till commercial launch is allowed by SECP.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.9V0UrQKWjqQegABUsWqqAgHaE8?pid=ImgDet&rs=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="267" src="https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.9V0UrQKWjqQegABUsWqqAgHaE8?pid=ImgDet&rs=1" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Muhammad Shamoon Tariq, <br />Founder, and Chief Executive Officer, <br />Mahaana Wealth Management</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This Shariah-compliant Money Market fund offers a secure and stable investment option that aims to provide investors with a potential profit rate of up to 20%, which is significantly higher than the profit rates currently offered by Islamic banks in Pakistan, hovering around 8-10%. CIO, Mahaana Wealth, Mubashir Zuberi, said “We strive to provide higher savings & investments return to retail investors, which were previously available only to the high-net-worth individuals.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keeping in mind the socio-economic limitations compounded with non-technical knowledge, people shy away from investing in Pakistan. By making the entire onboarding and back-office operations fully digitized, without the need for any human intervention, Mahaana has made every step of the process automated, making it fast, secure, and hassle-free for investors, but above all with low costs. This will not only ensure complete privacy but also confidence building for the customer to have more control over their assets and also their financial future.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-WCJ0tPvWP5Y8FTGIyNFu6qwuFFa2Do-QcYKpyUXQVslmyf44b19_uKasxTLkqW4NtmkxjP74PGBKuqFAlUCxyYYV4WGikQJhU5in6OIVRd2_QgnZ1zR4yemzoReLmt3ohbvZ7-5Mn4oeqP-1SpQ_Zdz7LXOL9AAvTCHybeVMhYedc8bpw5Uw2Q/s660/Mahaana%20Fund%20Launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="632" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-WCJ0tPvWP5Y8FTGIyNFu6qwuFFa2Do-QcYKpyUXQVslmyf44b19_uKasxTLkqW4NtmkxjP74PGBKuqFAlUCxyYYV4WGikQJhU5in6OIVRd2_QgnZ1zR4yemzoReLmt3ohbvZ7-5Mn4oeqP-1SpQ_Zdz7LXOL9AAvTCHybeVMhYedc8bpw5Uw2Q/w394-h412/Mahaana%20Fund%20Launch.jpg" width="394" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahaana Wealth has partnered with IT Minds, a leading provider of technology solutions in Pakistan and a subsidiary of CDC Pakistan, to deliver a comprehensive and streamlined solution for its back-office operations.</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Commenting on the launch, Mahaana Wealth CEO, Muhammad Shamoon Tariq, said, "Our vision is to create a seamless digital investment experience that is both accessible and affordable for all Pakistanis. We believe that everyone should have access to the same investment opportunities, regardless of their location, income, or financial knowledge. With this launch, we aim to revolutionize the asset management industry in Pakistan by offering a comprehensive, automated, and user-friendly platform to investors." He added, “I would also like to commend SECP’s role as a front-end regulator, which is continuously working in improving the regulations and frameworks for promoting the Asset Management industry in Pakistan”.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Investing in fixed-income funds enables individuals to create a financial buffer for themselves and their families, ensuring that they have a source of income to fall back on during tough times. By establishing this social safety net, individuals can protect their loved ones from the consequences of job loss or economic challenges, ultimately providing a more secure and stable financial future.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">As per the Economic Survey of Pakistan 4.51 million people from the labour force could not get jobs in the FY 2021. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">Prior to Covid-19, the working population was 55.7 million. During the pandemic, this number declined to 35.04 million which indicates that 20.71 million people either lost their jobs or were not able to work due to COVID-19 impact.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The textile industry representatives have also warned that about 7 million workers have been fired as Pakistan's textile exports dwindle, putting the sector on the edge of collapse due to the global economic recession. Also, a large portion of the cotton crop was destroyed by the devastating floods last year. The floods resulted in the death of more than 1,700 people and affected 33 million more, impacting the socioeconomic stability of families across the country.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">Fixed-income funds can serve as a vital financial tool for creating a social safety net for individuals and their loved ones, especially in the face of uncertainty. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">This steady stream of income can help families cover essential expenses during periods of </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;">unemployment or financial instability. By allocating a portion of their savings into Shariah-compliant fixed-income funds, individuals can work towards building a financial cushion that provides a sense of security and resilience in times of economic hardship.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbtn1XUpaWD7ulzwGZ8C4B1nV8CYz4wxMJeA8UTV9x5HkpZAwWxoGthIKGsHdbaFDoObN2Ly_4jB9Un7RhMq7QtOPu_vRwgxlvjpZvGths6Ot5LUatuSZkwzcfvFVXs_XZ88Sj9Q3pqSz7nn0cq9NoWidFr5uSvk01NArPWuwrWr5qg4O_uFNTy0/s1576/Mahaana%20Account%20Opening.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1576" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbtn1XUpaWD7ulzwGZ8C4B1nV8CYz4wxMJeA8UTV9x5HkpZAwWxoGthIKGsHdbaFDoObN2Ly_4jB9Un7RhMq7QtOPu_vRwgxlvjpZvGths6Ot5LUatuSZkwzcfvFVXs_XZ88Sj9Q3pqSz7nn0cq9NoWidFr5uSvk01NArPWuwrWr5qg4O_uFNTy0/w400-h278/Mahaana%20Account%20Opening.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 7.1pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mahaana is a licensed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and a Digital AMC, regulated by SECP. The company is allowed to offer investment management services in Pakistan. With an office in Karachi and Islamabad, Mahaana aims to revolutionize the wealth management industry by offering a comprehensive, automated, and user-friendly platform to retail investors. Mahaana’s mission is to create a seamless digital investment experience that is both accessible and affordable for all Pakistanis. With a team of experienced professionals and credible sponsors, the company strives to offer trusted and transparent wealth management in Pakistan.</span></span></p></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-22230142621550181932023-04-19T19:21:00.002+05:002023-04-19T19:28:27.222+05:00Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister of Pakistan Discusses Public Communication & Digital Engagement for Allied Healthcare Workers' Training at Cordoba Care Institute of Health Management.<header style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><h2 style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 4rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.2; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); line-height: var(--line-height-default); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding-top: var(--spacer-6) !important; text-align: left; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold);"><span style="font-size: large;">Healthcare and digital skills development for training quality allied healthcare resources and engagement via digital platforms for knowledge enhancement of healthcare professionals are crucial for improving the provision of healthcare services across Pakistan.</span></span></h2></header><div class="relative reader__grid mt6" style="background-color: white; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); float: none; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, "system-ui", "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: var(--spacer-6) !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); position: relative !important; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="reader-article-content reader-article-content--content-blocks" dir="ltr" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Karachi, PK - 19th April 2023 -</span> Mr. <a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahd-haroon-ba8518203?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAADPeObABYhg_yucJzQDUvVYfMpp0lNS9RNc" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Fahd Haroon</a>, Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister for Public Communication and Digital Platforms, attended an Iftar dinner organized by Cordoba Care Institute of Health Management in Karachi. The dinner was attended by leading medical professionals, educationists, members of civil society organizations, and top corporate and media representatives.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAsZirUq2fRBngVB-jlXdeMkOygxCinvQSsLCbrFVdBm0F8X_kOKTkTl3ADOAxwQYkapBXp1VLU2WAc-redn23eUEYD1qBw4i0wGhZ3kQR8YxO6SBpw4odZvqYqtLtsJakeIu7TKorZtNK1h_mQCO-sbwsV3wr44RGvSQ1KRwdHu3kD1cQRpuEyc/s1600/Caption%20for%20the%20pic%20-%20Fahd%20Haroon%20Discusses%20Public%20Communication%20and%20Digital%20Platforms%20for%20Healthcare%20Workers%20Training%20at%20Cordoba%20Care%20Institute%20Iftar%20Dinner%20in%20Karachi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1600" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAsZirUq2fRBngVB-jlXdeMkOygxCinvQSsLCbrFVdBm0F8X_kOKTkTl3ADOAxwQYkapBXp1VLU2WAc-redn23eUEYD1qBw4i0wGhZ3kQR8YxO6SBpw4odZvqYqtLtsJakeIu7TKorZtNK1h_mQCO-sbwsV3wr44RGvSQ1KRwdHu3kD1cQRpuEyc/w640-h499/Caption%20for%20the%20pic%20-%20Fahd%20Haroon%20Discusses%20Public%20Communication%20and%20Digital%20Platforms%20for%20Healthcare%20Workers%20Training%20at%20Cordoba%20Care%20Institute%20Iftar%20Dinner%20in%20Karachi.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); font-size: 12px;">Fahd Haroon Discusses Public Communication and Digital Platforms for Healthcare Workers' Training with Malik Ahmad Jalal, CEO and Founder of Cordoba Care Institute in Karachi.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">During the event, Mr.</span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);"> </span><a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahd-haroon-ba8518203?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAADPeObABYhg_yucJzQDUvVYfMpp0lNS9RNc" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Fahd Haroon</a><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);"> </span><span style="color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">spoke about the importance of public communication and tech skills development via digital platforms in healthcare, especially with reference to the need for human resource training for quality healthcare professionals. He emphasized that these professionals are required in Pakistan to uplift the local healthcare system and have great potential export demand in the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.</span></p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4437" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQEs1jaP8DFhHw/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1681909893646?e=1687392000&v=beta&t=ao1LqSWHYfw6SAv48L0EkAdhgAZrH7NVI0xP2QPAP6w" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">Pakistan's Health Workforce</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">He highlighted that the Government of Pakistan is working on making healthcare services available through digital platforms and means and that in this regard the public communication ecosystem will play an important role in creating awareness and behavior change for the usage of digital healthcare services for the greater good and well-being of society.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Mr. Fahd Haroon also emphasized the significance of international digital platforms in offering substantial learning and knowledge resources for healthcare professionals, providing an ideal mode for disseminating effective healthcare training. He focused on the importance of healthcare professionals keeping themselves updated with the latest trends and developments in healthcare and medicine through not only physical but also tech platforms. Moreover, he highlighted the crucial role of public communication in identifying and addressing the health challenges faced by citizens in their respective communities.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Mr. <a data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/malikahmadjalal?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAABN_4oBM0J90AWJEEBNLFManrSe-coJMns" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Malik Ahmad Jalal</a>, CEO & Founder of the <a data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cordoba-care-institute/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Cordoba Care Institute of Health Management</a> (CCI), said, "We are honored to have Mr. Haroon join us to celebrate the achievements of Cordoba Care Institute in the field of healthcare training. CCI strives to provide quality healthcare services through training and capacity building of the healthcare professionals, particularly from underserved communities”.</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4438" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQGbx4RgB0y-9g/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1681909832455?e=1687392000&v=beta&t=4HIxUO13QCOuccORmmKKYirlEYTjX7z5u1NElmlUiXo" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">Pakistan National Health Infrastructure</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">He said, “Pakistan faces an acute shortage of 600,000 medical technicians or 1/9th of our need as per the <a data-entity-type="MINI_COMPANY" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-health-organization/" style="background-color: var(--artdeco-reset-link-background-color-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-link-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-weight: var(--font-weight-bold); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); text-decoration: var(--artdeco-reset-link-text-decoration-none); touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">World Health Organization</a> standards. Cordoba Care Institute’s mission is to improve public health through practical and soft skills focused training of nursing and allied healthcare professionals.” He said, “CCI actively works on job placement, and career counseling and has an over 90% job placement rate of its graduates, who secure salaries between PKR 23,000 to PKR 33,000 per month for their technical competence and soft skills training.” He further added, <span style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); font-style: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-style-italic); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">“</span>We believe that digital healthcare and skills development initiatives are critical for improving the quality of healthcare services in Pakistan and beyond as they serve to showcase our homegrown talent and skills."</p><div class="reader-image-block reader-image-block--full-width" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin-bottom: var(--spacing-four-x); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><figure class="reader-image-block__figure" style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; display: var(--artdeco-reset-base-display-block); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><div class="ivm-image-view-model " style="background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); margin: var(--artdeco-reset-base-margin-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" class="ivm-view-attr__img--centered reader-image-block__img lazy-image ember-view" id="ember4439" loading="lazy" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4D12AQHjIWv18gangQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1681909958450?e=1687392000&v=beta&t=5CQREhdgJ3WJ-It0ka42_6BG4Ieu4kHJx5mUn8MAVck" style="background-position: 50% center; background-size: cover; border-radius: 0px; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--artdeco-reset-base-font-size-hundred-percent); height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center center; outline: var(--artdeco-reset-base-outline-zero); padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline); width: 720px;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-size: 16px;">Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Public Communication and Digital Platforms with Malik Ahmad Jalal, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Cordoba Care Institute along with his Team in Karachi.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></figure></div><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">It is essential to note that Pakistan is prioritizing the strengthening of the health sector, especially after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is making progress on SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing). Pakistan's healthcare system is facing a dearth of healthcare professionals, particularly in the fields of nursing and allied healthcare. Although the Lady Health Workers (LHW) program has been revitalized through adequate training, support, and a revised service structure, which has improved effective coverage of skilled birth attendants, pre, and post-pregnancy care, and neonatal care, the need for trained professionals is still needed in the peri-urban and rural areas of Pakistan.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">Pakistan has been making efforts to achieve health-relevant SDGs. However, progress has been slow due to a lack of resources, infrastructure, and skilled human resources. The government has made skills development initiatives a priority to ensure that the demand for public health service delivery is met with quality and quantity both.</p><p class="reader-text-block__paragraph" style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; background: var(--artdeco-reset-base-background-transparent); border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); font-size: var(--font-size-large); font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: 1.75; margin: 1.6rem 0px; padding: var(--artdeco-reset-base-padding-zero); vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);">There is a need for the government and private sector to collaborate to improve healthcare services and ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all. The use of digital platforms and public communication can play a vital role in creating awareness of the need for quality allied health resources and improving behavior-change of patients and care providers. The Cordoba Care Institute provides quality demand-driven curriculum taught with innovative methodologies to achieve these goals.</p></div></div></div><p></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-4182619690311369092022-11-22T11:18:00.003+05:002022-11-22T11:18:54.367+05:00Pakistan Army’s Role in Conflict Resolution<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px;"></i><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Pakistan Army’s Role in Conflict Resolution</span></span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBg_UWp-oT0Wnfu86i-9hMRW6mTb-yW4EK7kbsKqWLzBXyI_i2rRNF_QCByjrUZHB23HbDRDcLPoxrG02Sjhi5h3siXeeKzvMP0BWUpwt8lei86YTOambnT8vnJRgxQo4bWMoyMzLH4TwQS-CWr9N9aPbFSanA1vXiIZRFSjIDqFa5FqWx_IW3Y8/s198/Pakistan%20Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="198" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBg_UWp-oT0Wnfu86i-9hMRW6mTb-yW4EK7kbsKqWLzBXyI_i2rRNF_QCByjrUZHB23HbDRDcLPoxrG02Sjhi5h3siXeeKzvMP0BWUpwt8lei86YTOambnT8vnJRgxQo4bWMoyMzLH4TwQS-CWr9N9aPbFSanA1vXiIZRFSjIDqFa5FqWx_IW3Y8/w200-h134/Pakistan%20Flag.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pakistan Army under the command of General Bajwa played a crucial role in strengthening Pakistani ties with countries across globe through military diplomacy.</span></i></h3></span></i></h3></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In the face of evolving contests and uncertainties in the region, the role played by the </span><a href="https://pakistanarmy.gov.pk/coas.php" rel="external nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #005691; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> to tackle the rising challenges remained exemplary in managing the hardcore professional tasks as well as helping Pakistan navigate choppy waters during the last six years.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Pakistan Army under the command of <a href="https://pakistanarmy.gov.pk/coas.php" rel="external nofollow" style="color: #005691; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">General Bajwa</a> played a crucial role in strengthening Pakistani ties with countries across the globe through military diplomacy and played a monumental role in convincing Saudi Arabia and China to rollover of their loans.</div></span><p></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f4H9L2JloWpUcJDz2F8CYNAh_wfCqPA78ZV4LBtJXIZmaGPQZZTBxhRWniGugiCKlDSdJb_MEqn2KnO7Qvo-N1yQjIAFva16MFw4SU1ho7xmmIwdZbofJRmMeBFUZ3_gex2-MLMY81Vnbf6G_nsv8-Mk4TDwMqfTOvConshVW31LyndQU5D7gf0/s372/General_Qamar_Javed_Bajwa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f4H9L2JloWpUcJDz2F8CYNAh_wfCqPA78ZV4LBtJXIZmaGPQZZTBxhRWniGugiCKlDSdJb_MEqn2KnO7Qvo-N1yQjIAFva16MFw4SU1ho7xmmIwdZbofJRmMeBFUZ3_gex2-MLMY81Vnbf6G_nsv8-Mk4TDwMqfTOvConshVW31LyndQU5D7gf0/s320/General_Qamar_Javed_Bajwa.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">General Qamar Javed Bajwa<br />Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Under his leadership, Karkey Karadeniz Electrik Uterim (a Turkish company) dispute settlement was one of the examples of Pakistan Army efforts for the economic welfare of the country. The Turkish company namely Karkey Karadeniz Electrik Uterim (Karkey) was found involved in corruption, a core committee comprised of civil and military leadership led to the uncovering of evidence of corruption in Turkey, Switzerland, Lebanon, Panama, and Dubai (the UAE).</div></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This evidence was presented to the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Tribunal by the Core Committee. Pakistan Army amicably resolved the Karkey dispute and saved Pakistan USD 1.2 billion in penalties imposed by ICSID. If the dispute had not been settled and Pakistan would have paid the amount, Pakistan’s GDP would have shrunk by nearly 2pc and Pakistan would have defaulted on its international obligations.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to the Army’s countless efforts under the leadership of COAS, Pakistan was saved from the $11 billion penalty in the Reko Diq case and reconstituted a project aimed at excavating huge gold and copper reserves from the site in Balochistan. The Reko Diq agreement was a result of COAS’ personnel efforts as he convinced all parties for a National Consensus.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Reko Diq agreement has been reached after several rounds of negotiations over the past three years. Reko Diq will potentially be the largest gold & copper mine in the world. It will liberate Pakistan from crippling debt & usher in a new era of development & prosperity. Reko Diq will prove to be a game changer for Pakistan at the Federal, Provincial Governments and the people of Balochistan. It shall not only restore an investment-friendly image of Pakistan but will also accrue major economic benefits, development of indigenous mineral exploration capability, and result in a momentous socio-economic boost for the people of Balochistan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsR7a_FUx76rVG-AQo2iKiPRHqLNnwV2rGyShtl3SEesLutJb3sMJJlBkPoJHYeLnqebT7uStvtZXZyuO6MJmYuYNJTQzIgVnOlA5de0ocX4Ye-5j9a3NTIMEscpxSsuORsOrB_TxqEb97NAybrJ8bFgfkkz7FAFzzrboNqX7YLnFPCGJ7gVOXr4/s2000/Pakistan_Army_Emblem.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsR7a_FUx76rVG-AQo2iKiPRHqLNnwV2rGyShtl3SEesLutJb3sMJJlBkPoJHYeLnqebT7uStvtZXZyuO6MJmYuYNJTQzIgVnOlA5de0ocX4Ye-5j9a3NTIMEscpxSsuORsOrB_TxqEb97NAybrJ8bFgfkkz7FAFzzrboNqX7YLnFPCGJ7gVOXr4/w200-h200/Pakistan_Army_Emblem.png" width="200" /></a></div></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">General Bajwa should also be accredited for launching the public version of the country’s first-ever </span><a href="https://onsa.gov.pk/assets/documents/polisy.pdf" rel="external nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #005691; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">National Security Policy</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, which positions geoeconomics as a major part of the country’s national security outline. The military’s increasing focus on stabilizing the economy demonstrates that the institution realizes that comprehensive sovereignty and security cannot be achieved in the absenteeism of economic constancy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">During the pandemic, while the entire world was shattered by the looming crisis, Pakistan’s military took lead to strategize and put to effect a novel idea for the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The Military’s organizational and administrative skill was put to good use, and a state-of-the-art quick but enduring solution surfaced. It not only contributed to the distribution of food and medical equipment to the poor but also carried out large-scale awareness campaigns about Covid-19. Due to such effective and synergized efforts, Pakistan has not only tackled Covid-19 aftermaths very efficiently but also averted an impending economic tragedy.</div></span><p></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.0478847999999915.3741863638211527 37.891634799999991 61.994654036178844 108.20413479999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-5713855285099618732021-08-05T13:02:00.000+05:002021-08-05T13:02:22.771+05:00Extreme Commerce Launches 150+ Skills on the Video Boot Camp - New Skills Required in the New Era.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Skills Required in the New Era –</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report.</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i>Learning new skills through online knowledge platform is an opportunity for freelancers and technology enthusiasts to capture global business prospects. Extreme Commerce launches Pakistan’s digital platform with 150+ skills.</i></h3>The World Economic Forum in its Future of Jobs Report identifies new skillsets required in the post pandemic economic recovery for Pakistan. Digital Skills are the key to harness market appropriate opportunities.<br /><br />Developing and enhancing human skills and capabilities through education, learning and meaningful work are key drivers of economic success, of individual well-being and societal cohesion. The global shift to a future of work is defined by an ever-expanding cohort of new technologies, by new sectors and markets, by global economic systems that are more interconnected than in any other point in history, and by information that travels fast and spreads wide. Yet the past decade of technological advancement has also brought about the looming possibility of mass job displacement, untenable skills shortages and a competing claim to the unique nature of human intelligence now challenged by artificial intelligence. The coming decade will require purposeful leadership to arrive at a future of work that fulfils human potential and creates broadly shared prosperity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XNol5dpWjOSKX2pue7-0EDnaxohLz7lGdI8IhllduuyyUnaAYJcdeEQY-SQJDdZj2DU9O6cnd9w7NmJW6y0zHYdNQuqzLQOSIiCci_gNW-e9Caynn3fIy0F1MvBKPdTMIhl5AAfOm9A/s1150/Emerging+and+Redundant+Jobs+for+Pakistan+-+Future+of+Jobs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="730" height="966" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XNol5dpWjOSKX2pue7-0EDnaxohLz7lGdI8IhllduuyyUnaAYJcdeEQY-SQJDdZj2DU9O6cnd9w7NmJW6y0zHYdNQuqzLQOSIiCci_gNW-e9Caynn3fIy0F1MvBKPdTMIhl5AAfOm9A/w612-h966/Emerging+and+Redundant+Jobs+for+Pakistan+-+Future+of+Jobs.png" width="612" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Extreme Commerce, Pakistan’s foremost institution working to grow in the arena of E-commerce and digital skills, while creating a learning platform for the “Jobs of Tomorrow”, Extreme Commerce has created interactive learning tools for the new generation of Entrepreneurs and Freelancers. As Pakistan’s foremost EdTech with a focus on e-commerce and digital skills, it aims to bring innovation and quality along with tech, altogether under the same roof and ultimately make Pakistan the hub for Tech practitioners. <br /><br />Pakistan has been ranked as the 4th fastest growing markets in the world for freelancers, Pakistan is among the top five countries in the world when it comes to freelancing and generates a significant calculated amount of $0.5 billion entirely from freelancing.<br /><br />Pakistan’s e-commerce industry grew tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is amongst the fastest growth globally. The progressively evolving entrepreneurs in the ecommerce industry are breaking the barriers of feudal mindset. The Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum also signifies that new knowledge capital around jobs on Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Deep Data Mining and Analysis are key to foster economic progress.<br /><br />Extreme Commerce pursues to be the fulcrum of opportunity and potential via providing extension in income streams by making sales on international and national E-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Fiverr, Upwork, etc. with an aim to infuse $1 billion for each annum into the local economy.<br /><br />To meet the global skills gap with Pakistani experts, Extreme Commerce has expanded its digital learning platform with (Video Boot Camp) VBC 150+. The organization has introduced more e-commerce and freelancing learning opportunities, with its Video Boot Camp revamped and enhanced to 50 additional courses to master the new challenges and opportunities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-ZKaM0MNIJEnB2JaBcM74_vSyLYzJS7vW5F_71rULE5t9DhYtJefFH_mhxLOxu18bXTMU7u1F8m84BY07FHrMPuId6WSnTNM4lYC-nxVBF4I3CEZCVneuxha-aAqSbTKGn4pesoy-tg/s1384/Current+skills+in+focus+of+existing+reskilling%253Aupskilling+programmes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1384" height="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-ZKaM0MNIJEnB2JaBcM74_vSyLYzJS7vW5F_71rULE5t9DhYtJefFH_mhxLOxu18bXTMU7u1F8m84BY07FHrMPuId6WSnTNM4lYC-nxVBF4I3CEZCVneuxha-aAqSbTKGn4pesoy-tg/w644-h575/Current+skills+in+focus+of+existing+reskilling%253Aupskilling+programmes.png" width="644" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Video Boot Camp 100 had an extensive range of e-commerce skills that enabled students to obtain sellable skills. But now the additional 150+ courses are designed to provide team building skills, soft skills, marketing, managerial and communication skills. With 50 additional courses comprised of ecommerce and digital skills & 60+ Zameen interviews, Extreme commerce is trying to make 2021 a remarkable year for big changes in the ecommerce industry of Pakistan.<br /><br />Language has always been a barrier to entry for skill development. However, the extensive line of courses has been upgraded with SIX additional languages which will now help break past language obstructions. It has opened doors for fresh freelancers by providing them a detailed course on Fiverr and Upwork.<br /><br />The VBC 150+ has stood out by introducing medical freelancing which is the newest addition to VBC. This offers a range of courses for health and fitness enthusiasts, nutritionists and practicing medical students. Understanding data analysis on medical related platforms is one of the most demanding skill globally. Human wellbeing has been identified as one of the major challenges for humanity in the COVID-19 pandemic, where the medical data has opened new prospects for information technology evangelists. Creating new pathways for emerging technologies to benefit the society at large.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPflDW4kKLQ8LsepmHy-wNpbDsdRtvCarzZ6PWXrzkpcbUvY_M_g84NBieKO-R33W-VdNlXvkFzDzhLhxn_YhAZmdNdXNgxlwzi7U4r3dfAvZCMYWUfDll_IqFtatNmHMVVq5TVrl_OGM/s814/Emerging+Skills+for+Pakistan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="788" height="662" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPflDW4kKLQ8LsepmHy-wNpbDsdRtvCarzZ6PWXrzkpcbUvY_M_g84NBieKO-R33W-VdNlXvkFzDzhLhxn_YhAZmdNdXNgxlwzi7U4r3dfAvZCMYWUfDll_IqFtatNmHMVVq5TVrl_OGM/w641-h662/Emerging+Skills+for+Pakistan.png" width="641" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The new paradigm of algorithms has automated businesses and can impact the job markets greatly, however this has created opportunities for freelancers to generate new models for business development and service delivery. The VBC has introduced a revamped program of digital marketing and multimedia as well which offers a new spectrum of skills. In Digital marketing there’s Lead generation, Chatbot & Many chat kind of courses which helps and guides all Entrepreneurs, Freelancers, Digital Marketers in general.<br /><br />As the Future of Jobs Report identifies the Future of Technology is more mobile and personal, Extreme Commerce has launched the Video Boot Camp on mobile App and Play stores. The New VBC mobile app is ready to roll out with 150 courses and 60 Zameen on Android and iOS. The new 150+ courses are income generating streams that are to rewrite the fate of Pakistan’s economy. This will not only boost the economy but also reduce the unemployment rate.<br /><br />Extreme Commerce is Pakistan’s first EdTech start up with a sole focus on skills development and capacity building within the ecommerce and digital arena. Founded in 2017, it is the largest community of its kind in Pakistan, with well over 750,000 members to date and with over 100+ courses and income streams to choose from. We estimate that by 2025, our community will be 1 million strong, generating well over $1 billion in inward remittance for Pakistan.<br /><br />Mishal Pakistan and Extreme Commerce are working jointly to improve the awareness on the skills required for the “Jobs of Tomorrow”. Mishal Pakistan is the country Partner Institute of the New Economy and Societies Platforms, World Economic Forum.</div><p></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-41252332223819855412021-07-09T16:59:00.002+05:002021-07-09T16:59:10.606+05:00First Centre of Emerging Technologies in Private Sector to be Established with UK-Pakistan Partnership.<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 48px;"><b>First Centre of Emerging Technologies in Private Sector to be Established with UK-Pakistan Partnership.</b></span></p><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>UK-Pakistan Academic Partnership to Strengthen Research and Development in Emerging Technologies - Mike Nithavrianakis, Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner and Trade Director for Pakistan</b></i><b style="color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype", serif;"> </span></i></b></span></h3><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">Internet age and its usage, new technologies that are currently being developed or will be developed within the next five to ten years are referred to as emerging technologies. Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College (ECMCC) and British Computing Society/AccrediNation are jointly establishing Pakistan’s first Centre for Emerging Technologies in Pakistan. The agreement to cement this partnership was signed by both organizations today in Karachi.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUMMKt15SX-fSKk23h-cE_ZhmjkVsWlkpPlc5XUXmQmSi0OmtfhkhmE_s9X9qX3D4tvmbqnPTCUU2DwuNQWZ1V0XmyNDGHuHd5fj9E-RDNWv-w5o3UwIQmngHAfOyOvmZH_uVoaySiPQ/s2048/Center+for+Emerging+Technologies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUMMKt15SX-fSKk23h-cE_ZhmjkVsWlkpPlc5XUXmQmSi0OmtfhkhmE_s9X9qX3D4tvmbqnPTCUU2DwuNQWZ1V0XmyNDGHuHd5fj9E-RDNWv-w5o3UwIQmngHAfOyOvmZH_uVoaySiPQ/w640-h427/Center+for+Emerging+Technologies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US">The partnership was signed by the Founder and Managing Partner AccrediNation (in country partner organization for British Computing Society), Asad Aamir Ansari and Head of Institution (ECMCC), Abdul Hafeez Malik. His Excellency Mike Nithavrianakis, Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner and Trade Director for Pakistan was the Guest of Honour and witnessed the partnership signing along with leading corporates from the tech industry.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;">British Deputy High Commissioner Karachi and Trade Director for Pakistan Mike Nithavrianakis attended and congratulated the institutions involved in agreeing on this partnership, which he hopes will flourish and lead to excellence in the area of emerging technologies”.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202429;">The<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span>world<span style="letter-spacing: 0.7pt;"> </span>has<span style="letter-spacing: 0.7pt;"> </span>seen<span style="letter-spacing: 0.7pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: 0.65pt;"> </span>technological<span style="letter-spacing: 0.65pt;"> </span>revolution<span style="letter-spacing: 0.7pt;"> </span>since<span style="letter-spacing: 0.65pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span>advent<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: 0.7pt;"> </span>the internet, Sunny<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Ali, Founder<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Extreme<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Commerce<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>his<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>message said,<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Pakistan<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>has lacked<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Centre for<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Emerging Technologies. Although there have been efforts in the public sector. We are proud to take<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>this lead in Pakistan to launch a private sector driven initiative. He further said, this partnership<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>will<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>set<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>new<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>benchmarks<span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>training<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>a<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>new<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>breed<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: -0.3pt;"> </span>human<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>resource<span style="letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> </span>in<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;"> </span>country that<span style="letter-spacing: -0.25pt;"> </span>can<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>provide leadership for the industry and business community alike for the emerging technologies for global<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>challenges.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202429;"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202429;">Asad<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Aamir<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Ansari,<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> Founder and </span>Managing<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Partner<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>for </span><span lang="EN-US">AccrediNation <span style="color: #202429;">said,<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence can be used in many different industries,<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>including IT, medicine, finance, and more. These technologies are making our daily usage devices smarter,<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>providing deeper, more </span></span>valuable insight into data and making cloud-based tools more efficient. In<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>terms of impact, these technologies have the power to change the way we deploy, engage, and make use<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>of<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;"> </span>technology<span style="letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"> </span>at<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"> </span>all<span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;"> </span>levels.<br /><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202429;"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202429;">CEO MagnaCarta College Ejaz Chaudhry said ‘The IT certifications by BCS UK will increase the employability and freelance opportunities for our youth in the global arena. In today's ever-changing and competitive market, IT professionals need knowledge, expertise and practical skills that are internationally recognised and industry relevant.’<br /></span><span lang="EN-US"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US">For a technology to be classified as emerging, it is characterized by rapid growth, impact, radical novelty, coherence, and, sometimes, uncertainty and ambiguity. These include but are not limited to Artificial intelligence (AI), Gene therapy, 3D printing, Nanotechnology, Cancer vaccines, In vitro meat, Medical field advancements, Robotics, Stem-cell therapy, Distributed ledger technology and other Technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT). Each of these emerging technologies has the potential to create a significant competitive advantage for businesses in the near future.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 17.6333px;"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US">The event was attended by business leaders, technology enthusiasts, leading entrepreneurs, civil<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>society<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;"> </span>leaders<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;"> </span>including Raza Ahmed Sukhera, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Joint Director Policy & Sector Growth at Ministry of IT and Telecom, Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Group CEO and Chairman Interactive Group of Companies.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US">AccrediNation chartered by the British Computing Society (BCS) has over a decade of experience in IT Services, Training, Transformation, Consulting and Outsourcing. The BCS is the only professional body in the United Kingdom with the ability to grant chartered status to IT professionals under its Royal Charter, granted to them by the Privy Council. Thus, having the ability to grant Chartered (Professional</span><span lang="EN-US">) status to both its Fellows and Professional members. Known as Chartered IT<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Professional. AccrediNation has built strong relationships with International Chambers of<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Commerce, British High Commissions/Embassies, Federal & Provincial Governments and<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Corporate<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;"> </span>Sectors<span style="letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"> </span>across<span style="letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt;"> </span>world.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIhib-apJqRU3EN6kruaW-zN3U0AH8m4skQKcwJLUMiiKLad1pYyHlnc5vaVYM_Vc6240Th1Pnx9c63RYVm5fu_oaRG8VkPL1MkYFkck0j5hBowF9pZmL9401gkoD6FvAA5C586hRwPc/s2048/ECMCC+and+AN+Establishing+Center+for+Emerging+Technologies+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIhib-apJqRU3EN6kruaW-zN3U0AH8m4skQKcwJLUMiiKLad1pYyHlnc5vaVYM_Vc6240Th1Pnx9c63RYVm5fu_oaRG8VkPL1MkYFkck0j5hBowF9pZmL9401gkoD6FvAA5C586hRwPc/w640-h384/ECMCC+and+AN+Establishing+Center+for+Emerging+Technologies+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><span lang="EN-US">Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College (ECMCC) is Pakistan’s first entrepreneurial higher<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>education institute that came into being as a joint venture between Extreme Commerce and Magna<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>Carta College, Oxford’s Independent Business School. The purpose of ECMCC as a futuristic<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span>scholastic and incubation hub, is to build and disseminate a full spectrum of affordable pre-<span style="letter-spacing: 0.05pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">university</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">to</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">post-graduate</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.6pt;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.05pt;">competency</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.5pt;"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: -0.6pt;"> </span>research-based<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>learning,<span style="letter-spacing: -0.6pt;"> </span>complemented<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>by<span style="letter-spacing: -0.55pt;"> </span>world-class,<span style="letter-spacing: -2.45pt;"> </span>international<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2pt;"> </span>qualifications.<br /></span><span lang="EN-US"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US">For<span style="letter-spacing: 0.65pt;"> </span>more<span style="letter-spacing: 0.75pt;"> </span>information<span style="letter-spacing: 0.9pt;"> </span>please<span style="letter-spacing: 0.75pt;"> </span>visit:<span style="letter-spacing: 1pt;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ecmcc.org/&source=gmail&ust=1625913987185000&usg=AFQjCNFUfct-6ytIIbe6GBab-idD3iLMHg" href="http://www.ecmcc.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4471c4;">www.ecmcc.org</span></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 27.25pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-35120311862214692312021-06-24T16:34:00.001+05:002021-06-24T17:55:14.785+05:00Extreme Commerce and Dukan.pk collaborate to empower people to achieve self-sufficiency through e-commerce and digital skills.<p><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 48px; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>5 Million Micro-Entrepreneurs to Benefit from Ecommerce and Digital Skills.</b></span></p><div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 16.1px; letter-spacing: 0.56px; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Extreme Commerce and Dukan.pk collaborate to empower people to achieve self-sufficiency through e-commerce and digital skills.</i></p><div class="pr_quote_positioner" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; float: left; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 20em; letter-spacing: 0.56px; width: 0px;"></div><div class="pr_quote" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: url("//www.einpresswire.com/images/quote_136.png"); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; color: #212121; float: left; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; letter-spacing: 0.56px; margin: 20px 10px 20px 0px; max-width: 300px; padding: 25px 10px 10px 25px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">It is heartening to see the emergence of local platforms like Dukan.pk to help sellers reach their customers. We are proud to partner with the leader in this space. ”</b><div style="box-sizing: border-box; float: right; font-style: italic;">— Sunny Ali, Founder Extreme Commerce</div></div><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">82.20% enterprises in Pakistan are facing a cash flow shortage in the COVID-19 period. This puts a serious challenge for starting a business in Pakistan. Although Pakistan ranks at 72 among 190 countries on starting a business on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Report 2020, the new dynamics demand a new approach for the micro, small and medium enterprises.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">This gap has been filled by the two leading enterprises in Pakistan by joining hands, with a common goal of empowering the people of Pakistan to achieve self-sufficiency through e-commerce and digital skills, </span><a href="http://dukan.pk/" rel="external nofollow" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" target="_blank">Dukan</a><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">.pk has partnered with </span><a href="http://ec.com.pk/" rel="external nofollow" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" target="_blank">Extreme Commerce</a><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;"> to help local businesses sell online. Extreme Commerce is the largest online selling community of Pakistan with approximately 700,000 members. It has trained and helped thousands of people to sell online in the ecommerce platform and generate over $100 million in sales through Amazon, eBay, and other platforms.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">The partnership will look into the possibilities to capacitate businesses for online payments as well. 72.29% enterprises in Pakistan reported cash as the major payment method. 59.74% Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in Pakistan reported bank transfer method, 24.24% used personal cheque to make payments, 22.08% online payment method, 13.85% debit or credit cards, 6.49% money orders, and 4.33% used mobile payment methods. The government plans to digitize cash on delivery (CoD) payments above PKR 10000 by the year 2022, and all CoD payments will be replaced with online payments by the year 2029.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">Extreme Commerce’s Founder and CEO, Sunny Ali said, “It is heartening to see the emergence of local platforms like Dukan.pk to help sellers reach their customers. We are proud to partner with the leader in this space.” He further said, “this partnership will allow anyone with a smartphone to gain e-commerce selling skills and equip them with easy-to-use technology, enabling web store creation, online payments, and delivery management.”</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">There are currently over 5 Million micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) in Pakistan that are eager to join the e-commerce revolution but lack the technical know-how.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaeJkGrl2Ho789dUB0mYrFM_Cd8-W9tiqH_slib1LItMGQbjGbH6JWZ8SWAtLdPJYz1gQQqKSZZpLj4Tib2zxagnnVGDYnh62HJ2NctOHdWQT5bpDtv-yyAJK3zNSeALmIQ18EvzszVo/s1644/EC+and+Dukan.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1644" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaeJkGrl2Ho789dUB0mYrFM_Cd8-W9tiqH_slib1LItMGQbjGbH6JWZ8SWAtLdPJYz1gQQqKSZZpLj4Tib2zxagnnVGDYnh62HJ2NctOHdWQT5bpDtv-yyAJK3zNSeALmIQ18EvzszVo/w640-h370/EC+and+Dukan.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">Monis Rahman, founder and CEO of Dukan.pk, while reiterating his commitment to uplift small local businesses said, “Dukan’s mission is to let anyone with a smartphone sell online in under one minute. Our partnership with Extreme Commerce will help accelerate this mission by complementing our platform with high quality e-commerce training for local sellers.”</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">Pakistan has an approx. 3.2 million SMEs. SMEs constitute nearly 90% of all the enterprises in Pakistan; employ 80% of the non-agricultural labor force; and their share in the annual GDP is 40%, approximately. However, unlike large enterprises in the formal sector, a small and medium enterprise is constrained by financial and other resources. This inherent characteristic of an SME makes it imperative that there should be a mechanism through which it may get support in different functions of business including technical upgradation, marketing, financial and human resource training & development.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">To build a knowledge platform that can enable new thinking and innovation for the SME E Commerce approach, Extreme Commerce has already signed an agreement with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) as well. Extreme Commerce is also working with academic and research institutions across Pakistan and beyond.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">Dukan.pk is a new revolutionary and free of cost E-Commerce App. Through this each store will get its own personalized URL. There are 9 different payment methods with hassle-free stock purchase, sales report, inventory management and order history. Led by a team of industry veterans, Dukan has been able to create over 65,000 online stores, growing 350% monthly by average. It provides local sellers with a free, easy, and effective platform to set up their web stores and sell online.</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212121; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;" /><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;">Extreme Commerce is Pakistan’s first EdTech start up with a sole focus on skills development and capacity building within the ecommerce and digital arena. Founded in 2017, it is the largest community of its kind in Pakistan, with well over 735,000 members to date and with over 100+ courses and income streams to choose from. We estimate that by 2025, our community will be 1 million strong, generating well over $1 billion in inward remittance for Pakistan.</span></div><div><span face="Montserrat, sans-serif" style="color: #212121; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.56px;"><br /></span></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.0478847999999915.3741863638211527 37.891634799999991 61.994654036178844 108.20413479999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-74602192458746140052021-05-26T17:25:00.000+05:002021-05-26T17:25:11.870+05:00Dr Talat Shabbir, Honoured as ‘Champion of Change’ by RINSTRA.com<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dr Talat Shabbir, Honoured as ‘Champion of Change’ by RINSTRA.com</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">RINSTRA recognizes Champion of Change, individuals and institutions, who are contributing in improving Pakistan’s image globally and ensuring change in Pakistan at the grassroots levels.</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Islamabad, PK – 26 May 2021 – RINSTRA, Pakistan’s first short-form digital media platform has honoured Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China Pakistan Study Centre with “Champion of Change” gold medal. This distinction for Dr. Talat Shabbir was in recognition for his commitment to change and improving perception and ensuring better understanding between Pakistan-China relationship. His efforts also included better understanding of the Pakistan China relationship at Policy, business and citizens’ level.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The gold medal “Champion of Change” was presented by Amir Jahangir, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of RINSTRA at a ceremony held in Islamabad. The event was jointly organized by RINSTRA and (ISSI) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfZUz7HGYsuqharEPPkwA7hpJu-amMg8JAmGX8U-HI0ImQrRRKG-rxGVZyigI5wtt3hjVj8d7xkyKyzBURehjWK63jUNN1lfB-2y-dD_QAwO2307dkJc5alLl_kxGYkls8OCKCc93BPM/s746/Dr.+Talat+Shabbir+Champion+of+Change.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="392" height="1050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfZUz7HGYsuqharEPPkwA7hpJu-amMg8JAmGX8U-HI0ImQrRRKG-rxGVZyigI5wtt3hjVj8d7xkyKyzBURehjWK63jUNN1lfB-2y-dD_QAwO2307dkJc5alLl_kxGYkls8OCKCc93BPM/w551-h1050/Dr.+Talat+Shabbir+Champion+of+Change.png" width="551" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking on the occasion, Amir Jahangir said, “We are pleased to recognize Dr Talat’s services towards building the strong knowledge base and enabling perception change which is more fact based for better understanding the relationship between China and Pakistan. He is a true champion of change, who has done so much with selfless service and dedication.” He further said, “this gold medal also puts the burden of responsibility on the shoulders of Dr. Talat to push his efforts an extra mile”.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dr. Talat Shabbir Director China Pakistan Study Centre, in his acceptance speech said that, “this is a great honour and responsibility and I am humbled by this Award. China Pakistan Study Centre provides a platform for quality policy input through informed research, objective analysis and dialogue on regional and international issues affecting peace, security and development of Pakistan. I will keep working to create knowledge resources among the youth and the business community alike while providing strategic direction for policy makers.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Diplomatic relation between Peoples Republic of China and Pakistan was established on 21 May 1951. Although people to people understanding between the two countries is exemplary hoverer cultural understanding between businesses and people can be improved. More than 60,000 Chinese expats live in Pakistan and more than 20,000 Pakistani students are studying in Chinese universities. Pakistan exports to China stood at US$1.87 Billion during 2020. Multibillion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor has strengthened China Pakistan partnership yet there is much more work required in People to People Relationship Building in Knowledge Development.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dr. Talat Shabbir is Director China Pakistan study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, where he oversees research and advocacy on all facets of Pakistan-China relations. He holds a PhD in International Relations from the Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. He has M. Phil in International Relations from University of Karachi, Masters in International Relations from University of Balochistan and Masters in Political Science from University of Punjab. His research areas include Pakistan, South Asia, Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC and Pakistan-China relations. Dr. Shabbir has been a visiting scholar at Sigur Centre for Asian Studies, George Washington University, USA. He has been on the faculty of Institute of Strategic Studies Research and Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University (NDU) where he was responsible to conduct national security and national media workshops. Besides editing a quarterly magazine for China Pakistan Study Centre, he regularly contributes to newspapers on domestic, regional and global politics and participates in panel discussions on various TV channels to address issues impacting Pakistan. He has diverse experience of management, administration, public relations, advocacy, HR and media. Dr. Talat also has literary interests and has two books to his credit, a book of short stories and a collection of selected poetry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqnFL80xXs3uT6ybc6hTgqr_0YiRRr_uPEwiazVZqbcKIcV5NX9I_F-gbs367UoIuDioAc3I9gjA4vbuUcMiCD09D2o3OwB-fWFm-SnNLysj7SFgxKQoZejRuQeD5RPGMhnidmC3qonc/s1280/RINSTRA+Champion+of+Change.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="974" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqnFL80xXs3uT6ybc6hTgqr_0YiRRr_uPEwiazVZqbcKIcV5NX9I_F-gbs367UoIuDioAc3I9gjA4vbuUcMiCD09D2o3OwB-fWFm-SnNLysj7SFgxKQoZejRuQeD5RPGMhnidmC3qonc/w488-h640/RINSTRA+Champion+of+Change.jpeg" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">RINSTRA's Champion of Change Gold Medal Recognition. <br />RINSTRA recognises Champion of Change, <br />individuals and institutions, contributing in improving <br />Pakistan’s image globally and ensuring<br /> change in Pakistan at the grassroots levels.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />RINSTRA is the outcome of the thought leadership of Dice Foundation USA’s Creative Arts and Media Initiative (DICE CAM). It is part of Dice Foundation’s National Innovation Basket (NIB) program, which aims to create media as a corner stones of Pakistan’s growth strategy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">RINSTRA is Pakistan’s first short-form digital media platform for on-demand streaming and for creation of user generated original content on iRINSTRA. The organization provides entrepreneurship opportunities to emerging and established content creators and film makers in Pakistan and beyond. RINSTRA gives content creators access to a large Pakistani community around the globe, and it has been able to create a unique platform that offers dramas and films, while enabling users to generate their own content on the same platform. It also has a feature for Content Competition where, more than 100 academic institutions in Pakistan are competing on various thematic areas. The Fest feature of the application has provided some of the leading Film Festivals to partner with RINSTRA for digital viewing of their films and documentaries. This has created an unprecedented experience for viewers in the country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Creative and independent content with premier shows and films can be accessed on RINSTRA by visiting the website <a href="http://www.rinstra.com">http://www.rinstra.com</a> or downloading apps from the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rinstra.navapp&hl=en_US&gl=US" target="_blank">Google Play Store</a> and/or <a href="https://cutt.ly/mhVzdh6" target="_blank">Apple App Store</a>.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p><br /></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-26995749385859245162021-05-03T18:39:00.005+05:002021-05-03T18:40:53.249+05:00Partnership Signed to increase cultural understanding between businesses and people of Pakistan and China.<p><span color="var(--color-text)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 4rem;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LRA4iKuq21kTOY3mGWNzNN5BX0zrFK_8Ta4yEm-YvAXeE4YwuSgq_jCOeiUpvaCNQyBEVvR2PGt1vUUdhPzYjzuQGVVFDDvWQA-Yd4uOi3YNvbWsupdxeC4Oco3EzSNKPMMkiUE4CyM/s1088/RINSTRA+and+CPSC+logos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="1088" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LRA4iKuq21kTOY3mGWNzNN5BX0zrFK_8Ta4yEm-YvAXeE4YwuSgq_jCOeiUpvaCNQyBEVvR2PGt1vUUdhPzYjzuQGVVFDDvWQA-Yd4uOi3YNvbWsupdxeC4Oco3EzSNKPMMkiUE4CyM/w640-h152/RINSTRA+and+CPSC+logos.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span color="var(--color-text)" face="-apple-system, system-ui, system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 4rem;"><b>Partnership Signed to increase cultural understanding between businesses and people of Pakistan and China.</b></span></p><div class="relative reader__grid" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); float: none; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px auto; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 744px;"><header aria-label="Newsletter header" id="reader-article-header" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><ul class="reader-article-header__meta t-14 t-black--light t-normal mv4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text-low-emphasis); display: flex; font-size: 1.4rem; line-height: 1.42857; list-style: none; margin-bottom: 16px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 16px !important; margin: 16px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" data-li-src="https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E12AQHvfeLe-Jk3RQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1620047395530?e=1625702400&v=beta&t=Pjk2wyJ8QvdZqU1DJl7qQzavxQPAFk1sYZKL3ZBey0g" data-media-urn="" src="https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E12AQHvfeLe-Jk3RQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1620047395530?e=1625702400&v=beta&t=Pjk2wyJ8QvdZqU1DJl7qQzavxQPAFk1sYZKL3ZBey0g" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 20px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 743.993px;" /></li></ul></header><div class="ember-view" id="ember66" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="reader-article-content" dir="ltr" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h1 style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 2.4rem 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Video Content Competition on Pakistan China relationship will be launched to promote culture and trade between the two countries.</span></em></h1><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 3.2rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Diplomatic relation between People's Republic of China and Pakistan was established on 21 May 1951. Although people to people understanding between two countries is exemplary hoverer cultural understanding between businesses and people can be improved. For the purpose <a href="http://issi.org.pk/cpsc/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">China Pakistan Study Center (CPSC) </a>at <a href="http://issi.org.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)</a> and <a href="https://rinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RINSTRA</a> signed memorandum of understanding. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr. Talat Shabbir Director China Pakistan Study Centre and Amir Jahangir Chief Executive Officer <a href="https://rinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RINSTRA Technologies</a>.</p><div class="slate-resizable-image-embed slate-image-embed__resize-full-width" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="No alt text provided for this image" data-li-src="https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E12AQEQZOJsAdCkGA/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1620047493031?e=1625702400&v=beta&t=8Q2gl9gEfIDN5J1JdKMFxTCbR7f_iyA-1SCpy904Psk" data-media-urn="" src="https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E12AQEQZOJsAdCkGA/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1620047493031?e=1625702400&v=beta&t=8Q2gl9gEfIDN5J1JdKMFxTCbR7f_iyA-1SCpy904Psk" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 743.993px;" /></div><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Partnership Signed between </em><a href="http://issi.org.pk/cpsc" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">China Pakistan Study Center at ISSI</em></a><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> and </em><a href="http://www.rinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">RINSTRA</em></a><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> to increase cultural understanding between businesses and people of Pakistan and China. In the picture Director CPSC, </em><a href="http://issi.org.pk/author/dr-talat/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dr. Talat Shabbir</em></a><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> and CEO RINSTRA, </em><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amir Jahangir</em></a><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations.</em></p><div style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">Speaking at the occasion Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Ambassador <a href="http://issi.org.pk/author/aizaz-ahmad-chaudhry/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Azaz Ahmad Chaudhary</a> said “The ISSI provides a platform for quality policy input through informed research, objective analysis and dialogue on regional and international issues affecting peace, security and development of Pakistan. We are confident that this partnership will create knowledge resources among the youth and the business community alike while providing strategic direction for policy makers”. </div><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">On the signing of the MOU <a href="http://issi.org.pk/author/dr-talat/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Dr. Talat Shabbir</a> Director ISSI said “The memorandum of understanding underlines to build cultural, business and economic cooperation and understanding. The partnership will also highlight China and Pakistan’s cooperation and implication for the region and the world .This partnership will help building people to people relationships, Government relations in defense cooperation and societal collaboration for building knowledge ecosystems</p><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahangir/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amir Jahangir </a>Chief Executive Officer RINSTRA Technologies said “In this new era of information engagement it is important to build the vocabulary and understanding around the partnerships that both Pakistan and China are striving for. This cooperation between CPSC and RINSTRA will set new benchmark for understanding around the future challenges for our international partnerships for Public diplomacy discourse”</p><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This partnership is being signed to build better understanding among the masses and the business community in both China and Pakistan. The partnership will also facilitate content development in Mandarin, Urdu and English. </p><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">More than 60,000 Chinese expats live in Pakistan and more than 20,000 Pakistani students are studying in Chinese universities. Pakistan exports to China stood at US$1.87 Billion during 2020. Multibillion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor has strengthened China Pakistan partnership yet there is much more work required in People to People Relationship Building in Knowledge Development.</p><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Established in August 2016, the China Pakistan Study Center is the leading think tank in Pakistan, focusing on public policy, diplomacy and building cultural understanding between China and Pakistan. Considering the evolving regional and global scenarios, CPSC has been tasked with carrying out dedicated research and analysis of China’s policies, and their impact on Pakistan and the region. CPSC is also engaged in national and international outreach to promote better understanding of Pakistan-China relations, develop linkages with think-tanks in China and advance people to people contacts.</p><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">RINSTRA is the outcome of the thought leadership of <a href="https://dicefoundation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Dice Foundation</a> USA’s <a href="https://dicefoundation.org/dice-creative-arts-media" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Creative Arts and Media Initiative (DICE CAM)</a>. It is part of <a href="https://dicefoundation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Dice Foundation</a>’s <a href="https://dicefoundation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">National Innovation Basket (NIB)</a> program, which aims to create media as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s growth strategy.</p><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://www.rinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RINSTRA</a> is Pakistan’s first short-form digital media platform for on-demand streaming and for creation of user generated original content on <a href="http://www.irinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">iRINSTRA</a>. The organization provides entrepreneurship opportunities to emerging and established content creators and film makers in Pakistan and beyond. <a href="http://www.rinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RINSTRA</a> gives content creators access to a large Pakistani community around the globe, and ithas been able to create a unique platform that offers dramas and films, while enabling users to generate their own content on the same platform. It also has a feature for <a href="https://rinstra.com/challenge" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Content Competition</a> where, more than 100 academic institutions in Pakistan are competing on various thematic areas. The Fest feature of the application has provided some of the leading <a href="https://rinstra.com/fest" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Film Festivals</a> to partner with <a href="http://www.rinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RINSTRA</a> for digital viewing of their films and documentaries. This has created an unprecedented experience for viewers in the country. </p><p style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; line-height: 3.2rem; margin: 3.2rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Creative and independent content with premier shows and films can be accessed on RINSTRA by visiting the website <a href="http://www.rinstra.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://www.rinstra.com</a> or downloading apps from the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rinstra.navapp&hl=en_US&gl=US" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Google Play Store</a> and/or <a href="https://cutt.ly/mhVzdh6" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Apple App Store</a></p></div></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.0478847999999915.3741863638211527 37.891634799999991 61.994654036178844 108.20413479999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-53363510411694654522021-04-23T19:38:00.003+05:002021-04-23T19:38:37.392+05:00Islamabad Special Technology Zone to Attract US$ 100 Million Investment in the Next 5 Years.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Islamabad Special Technology Zone to Attract US$ 100 Million Investment in the Next 5 Years. </span></h1><div><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Special Technology Zones Authority </em></span></a><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and </em></span><a href="https://www.iengineering.com.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">iENGINEERING Corp.</em></span></a><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Sign MOU to Build the First Technology Park in the Islamabad STZ.</em></span></div><div><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 0.975em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></span></div><div><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFq7dhG_Ib0twB2g90I6GBiAcBcyzfHfWMAjtgUiB_p9fXxiYrbjRK1mWokuSVsdtMXO8T1ZNU4-KCSIG0U-c-EMI3BtpA09ECDGwsD5KbTRBC5bH3sX7yus5zPFpXqWhFiqLGEFxQfk/s1280/Special+Technology+Zones+Authority+and+iENGINEERING+Corp.+Sign+MOU+to+Build+the+First+Technology+Park+in+the+Islamabad+STZ+Pic+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1280" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFq7dhG_Ib0twB2g90I6GBiAcBcyzfHfWMAjtgUiB_p9fXxiYrbjRK1mWokuSVsdtMXO8T1ZNU4-KCSIG0U-c-EMI3BtpA09ECDGwsD5KbTRBC5bH3sX7yus5zPFpXqWhFiqLGEFxQfk/w640-h492/Special+Technology+Zones+Authority+and+iENGINEERING+Corp.+Sign+MOU+to+Build+the+First+Technology+Park+in+the+Islamabad+STZ+Pic+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div>The Government of Pakistan has committed to develop the technology sector in Pakistan. The </span><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Special Technology Zones Authority</a><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> has been mandated to provide legislative and institutional support to encourage investments and high-tech business in the technology zones across Pakistan.</span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">The</span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA)</a><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">has initiated the work to establish the first Special Technology Zone (STZ) in Islamabad. The Islamabad Special Technology Zone will be the flagship project of the</span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA)</a><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">. In order to create the state-of-the-art infrastructure that can facilitate the business environment, an MoU has been signed between the</span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">STZA</a><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">and </span><a href="https://www.iengineering.com.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">iENGINEERING</a><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> Corporation.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-6AzST5r9wBQLppSTOBmACs-SekAjf5sVVClW_uAxvS2FIM75gj3YcpmMMp8FD2kxGymKhOLK85ncD8nbKCKfOorumQm6KooKxsOyc3OmzPPlfVKakRkKtTIHnfbbzy8HgK7U_u1zHQ/s1280/Amer+Hashmi%252C+Chairman+STZA+-+Pakistan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-6AzST5r9wBQLppSTOBmACs-SekAjf5sVVClW_uAxvS2FIM75gj3YcpmMMp8FD2kxGymKhOLK85ncD8nbKCKfOorumQm6KooKxsOyc3OmzPPlfVKakRkKtTIHnfbbzy8HgK7U_u1zHQ/s320/Amer+Hashmi%252C+Chairman+STZA+-+Pakistan.jpeg" /></a></div>Mr. Amer Hashmi, Chairman STZA, stated that the first Technology Park in the Islamabad STZ will be established soon. He further said, “Islamabad Special Technology Zone is based on 150 acres of land in the Islamabad Capital Territory. The land has been identified and approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the land has been earmarked for the establishment of the Islamabad Special Technology Zone.”</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">The Islamabad Special Technology Zone (STZ) will include the state-of-the-art iENGINEERING Technology Park. The Park will develop a business campus, which will comprise of a cluster of midrise energy efficient buildings over 250,000 sq. ft. in Islamabad STZ with initial investment of US$ 2 million which will create more than 2,500 highly skilled jobs and will generate over US$ 100 million in the next five years. The Park will accommodate local and foreign technology companies with Pakistani descent owners, startups, and tech-hubs which will initially materialize up to US$ 50 million of zone enterprise cumulative annual revenue for Islamabad STZ.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RU49e8rSB5Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="RU49e8rSB5Y"></iframe></div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eTbru132oEZMCkuTecPFfZJTgp6j3SGABrFbiMy3Qirhuf4apx2x1A6eRd4YqtL-gdea-sl7V0ibFJqDKzcbmar9OEJv5Qa4FKATLcpb9goMAfx9p8U9FIVgPt-dsbayIrOCvd-Dnuw/s400/STZA+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="358" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eTbru132oEZMCkuTecPFfZJTgp6j3SGABrFbiMy3Qirhuf4apx2x1A6eRd4YqtL-gdea-sl7V0ibFJqDKzcbmar9OEJv5Qa4FKATLcpb9goMAfx9p8U9FIVgPt-dsbayIrOCvd-Dnuw/w179-h200/STZA+Logo.png" width="179" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">The </span><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Special Technology Zones Authority</a><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> has been mandated to develop a technology-driven knowledge ecosystem to encourage hi-tech innovative solutions and futuristic entrepreneurship. </span><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">STZA</a><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> will develop a national network of Special Technology Zones which will change the economic outlook of Pakistan by enhancing IT exports and encouraging technology and knowledge transfer from global technology hubs.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">According to the Memorandum of Understanding, both the organizations will work together to achieve high-tech industrial growth, create job opportunities, upskill the youth, and attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) through development of a knowledge ecosystem driven by innovation and collaboration.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">While addressing the gathering, Mr. Riaz Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of </span><a href="https://www.iengineering.com.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">iENGINEERING Corporation</a><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">, stated that</span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.iengineering.com.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">iENGINEERING</a><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">Technology Park will have the first mover advantage for the pilot technology zone of the Islamabad STZ. It will focus on transforming cost centers into profit centers, which will significantly increase revenue capacity.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.iengineering.com.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">iENGINEERING</a><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">Technology Park plans to facilitate acquisition of foreign Pakistani-descent businesses by providing a mechanism for zone enterprises to invest their profits and acquire new customers and generate new revenue streams. He further said, “that</span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.iengineering.com.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">iENGINEERING Corporation</a><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">has more than 20 years of unique operational experience in technology sector in USA and Pakistan.”</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyRtIeiZXFf9HY712RZjYAT7Ovulkx-qRKR51W9PzmhYURj3e3agohLjPRepMN2mza7vrYgpqH5fUtbeBHXYGEMx0GIQjldNPK7qpACZsmW8f99_7_LCdnK3K1-hQdNJFKPzkWvQHXyY/s1280/Special+Technology+Zones+Authority+and+iENGINEERING+Corp.+Sign+MOU+to+Build+the+First+Technology+Park+in+the+Islamabad+STZ+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyRtIeiZXFf9HY712RZjYAT7Ovulkx-qRKR51W9PzmhYURj3e3agohLjPRepMN2mza7vrYgpqH5fUtbeBHXYGEMx0GIQjldNPK7qpACZsmW8f99_7_LCdnK3K1-hQdNJFKPzkWvQHXyY/w640-h426/Special+Technology+Zones+Authority+and+iENGINEERING+Corp.+Sign+MOU+to+Build+the+First+Technology+Park+in+the+Islamabad+STZ+Pic+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">While welcoming the first Tech Park developer, Mr. Aamer Saleemi, Chief Executive Officer of Islamabad STZ, assured his full support in early execution of the project. He said that Islamabad STZ will act as a catalyst for enhancing the IT exports of Pakistan and it is expected to attract more than US$350 million Foreign Direct Investment in the technology sector which will provide job opportunities to more than 200,000 youth of Pakistan. Islamabad STZ will be first place of choice in the region for the global tech companies and expatriates due to its state-of-the-art technology supportive infrastructure, lucrative tax incentives and one-window services.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qAz-WaZ2sC8" width="320" youtube-src-id="qAz-WaZ2sC8"></iframe></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;">With the Honorable Prime Minister, Imran Khan, as President of the Board, </span><a href="http://www.stza.gov.pk/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">STZA</a><span style="background-color: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> is an autonomous body established under the Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan. The Authority has been mandated to promote the knowledge-based national ecosystem for stimulating and enhancing the multi-dimensional collaboration between technology industry, academia, and government for 21st century innovation, entrepreneurship, and new technology creation.</span></div></div>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.047884799999991-46.30405135628363 -67.577115200000009 90 -146.32711519999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-44966682040082341082020-04-18T02:50:00.002+05:002020-04-18T02:52:18.638+05:00Pakistan Needs to Secure Borders with Contactless Bidy Temperature Fast Scanning to Safeguard US$ 351 Millio. travel and Tourism Industry<p>The strategic preparedness and response plan to fight the COVID-19 has left most of the public policy decision makers in a fix between the availability of resources versus technological solutions available to them. This challenge becomes more significant for countries like Pakistan, when the population and influx points are in greater numbers.</p><p></p><p>The World Economic Forum in its biennial Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019, ranks Pakistan at 121 among 140 economies globally. The Report states that, the travel and tourism industry contribute a 2.8% of Pakistan’s GDP. The country attracts 965,500 tourists annually, generating an income of US$ 351.6 million annually for the country. On average a single tourist spends around US$364.2 per visit. Additionally, 6.8 million people travel by air to visit Pakistan per annum. The travel and tourism industry generate 1,484,200 jobs in Pakistan, contributing 2.4% share of the total employment in the country. Pakistan is the least competitive country in South Asia when it comes to travel and tourism, including the region’s least favourable safety and security conditions, where Pakistan ranks at 134. On the Health and Hygiene Pillar Pakistan ranks at 101, better than Indonesia (102) Bangladesh (103), whereas India ranks at 105 among 140 economies. Covering 140 economies, the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sector, which contributes to the development and competitiveness of a country.</p><p>Without a proper state of the art solution, that can monitor travelers with the state-of-art artificial intelligence and other touchless technologies, Pakistan can lose its attractiveness to cater international and national travelers.</p><p>Pakistan’s major international airports Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, along with other international airports situated in Peshawar, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Quetta, Rahim Yar Khan, Turbat, Gwadar and D.G.Khan are entry/exit points for 6.8 million international travelers. These can prove to be serious vulnerability points for any endemic or pandemic to spread in Pakistan and beyond.</p><p><br></p><p>Pakistan also shares borders with its neighbors at multiple points, which are, with India (Wagah and Kartarpura), also the Srinagar–Muzaffarabad bus is also an entry/exit point available for locals. Pakistan has 8 formal border crossings with Afghanistan, of which Torkham and Chaman – Spin Boldak have international status. The other 6, assumed, are bilateral: Arandu (Chitral), Gursal (Bajaur), Nawa Pass (Mohmand), Kharlachi (Kurram), Ghulam Khan (North Waziristan), Angoor Adda (South Waziristan) and Chaman (Balochistan). These entry/exit points and have no efficient system to monitor the influx of travelers daily. The volume of passengers is so huge, accounting to hundreds of thousands of people crossing the borders daily, makes the task humanly impossible to be achieved. The COVID-19 has made the global travel and tourism industry vulnerable to a great catastrophe and Pakistan is no different than the rest of the world, with limited resources and large populations to be monitored and checked is a serious task for any administration.</p><p>Wusool, a company focused on digital solutions and payments has brought the non-contact Body Temperature Fast Screening Solutions to Pakistan. The solution has been developed by CP Plus and distributed by Ethos Technologies. Ethos Technologies has appointed Wusool as the authorized resellers for the state-of-the-art technology in Pakistan.</p><p>Mohsin Iqbal, Co-founder, Wusool said, "the recent COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the population to an unprecedented challenge, this can be addressed by social distancing and by identifying and separating the infected from the rest. The Infrared Body Temperature Fast Screening solution is mainly developed based on the principle of infrared thermal radiation. It uses a non-refrigerated core and low signal-noise image processing technology".</p><p>He further elaborated that, "What Pakistan needs is a non-contact, real-time, continuous and accurate temperature measuring equipment". He said, "the border controlling authorities can benefit from Wusool’s solution by non-contact monitoring, yet at the same time, a dedicated software system can be used to visually display the temperature information of the temperature measurement objects. It can be used for entry-exit health quarantine at customs, airports, stations, terminals, land ports, and epidemic prevention in key places such as schools, hospitals, office buildings and etc.</p><p>Imtiaz Ghani, General Manager for Ethos Technologies, West Asia, said, "for a long time, thermal solutions such as thermal cameras and imagers have been used for surveillance. The technology offered by Ethos has additional temperature-based screening and access control applications, which have gained more importance nowadays with the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19". </p><p>Ghani explained, "these solutions have proven helpful during past outbreaks of diseases such as SARS, the bird flu, the swine flu and E-bola. Now, thermal solutions have come to light again in the wake of COVID-19, which as of 15th April has infected over 2 Million worldwide and killed 129,000. Countries have imposed restrictions on travelers from the more affected regions, and thermal solutions are needed more than ever at end user organizations to detect the temperatures of individuals".</p><p>Pakistan opened its Online Visa System for the citizens of 175 Countries. Moreover, citizens from 50 Countries are eligible to apply for Visa On Arrival under Tourist Category and the citizens from 95 Countries are eligible to apply for Visa on Arrival under Business Category. Making the task to monitor and manage the viral infectious diseases on borders a challenging proposition for the border control and health officials. </p><p>The technology proposed by Wusool, gives the perfect solution to guard borders and influx points for any virus or infection intrusion into the country. The CP-Plus technology gives, accurate face tracking with results in real time, it has a temperature accuracy upto ≤ 0.3°C. The state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) system has the face recognition algorithm to accurately locate the temperature to target. It can complete 16 target temperature measurements within 30ms at a distance of 3-5 meters. The system is so advance that it can capture human face in normal visible light, while the thermal imaging can monitor body temperature </p><p>Ethos Technologies is wholly owned and managed by veterans in the IT distribution market with over 40 years of collective experience with leading technologies around Datacenter, Networking, Security and Cloud. Ethos not only offers traditional box-moving services but is actively involved with its reseller partners to provide a complete holistic approach to channel management. With its core team of skilled personnel, Ethos is able to offer competent pre-sales knowhow coupled with aggressive commercial terms, to provide a truly complete solution. Add to this its post-sales support team and Ethos offers an end to end service such that the reseller channel can focus on its core competency.</p><p></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-65638802455885620632020-04-01T03:51:00.001+05:002020-04-01T03:52:11.087+05:00COVID-19 Inflection Point for PakistanCOVID-19 Inflection Point for Pakistan<p>An Online Discussion on the Possible Futures with or without COVID-19</p><p>Islamabad/Karachi – 1 April 2020 - The COVID-19 has put the entire world into an incubation, where players have been pushed to adopt digital platforms for doing business. Social distancing and lockdowns have forced into remote work (WFH) and pushed people into digital meetings. There is a surge in data consumption and new opportunities in the digital sphere. Regulatory authorities and industry players have been caught unprepared. </p><p>Wusool, a startup focused on digital payments in general and E-Commerce payment gateways organized an online panel discussion on possible futures after the COVID-19 experience. The discussion invited a cross section of participants to take part in the discussion through an open platform. The discussants included public policy experts, researchers, industry experts and media professionals. </p><p> </p><p>The participants agreed that the government needs to take a lead in creating an enabling environment at this stage to encourage digital transformation.</p><p><br></p><p>The issue of new entrants to create new value for the citizens also came under discussion, where the cost of entry to business is a serious challenge in terms of innovation and alternate solutions required at this challenging time. </p><p><br></p><p>Shabbir Buxamoosa, Co-Founder Wusool and senior industry professional, highlighted the need for the Think Tanks to create knowledge resources and enough evidence through data, that can push the policy makers and business leaders to create value in the changing times for the end consumer, while benefiting from the digital transformation identifying new areas of growth for the industry and job creation for the economy. </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p>Mohsin Iqbal, Co-Founder of Wusool said, "While we are all looking at the COVID-19 from an operational point of view, we need to see this from a regulatory & public policy perspectives as well, where the COVID-19 has put the entire world into an incubation, where all key stakeholders have been pushed to adopt digital platforms for doing business or public service. Generating a surge in data consumption, creating opportunities in the digital sphere, but also exposing performance and compliance requirements at the part of the regulatory and industry players. </p><p> </p><p>Amir Jahangir, CEO Mishal Pakistan, a country partner institute of the World Economic Forum, highlighted that "the surge for online services and data has increased more than 200 times. The impact of CoVID 19 (Coronavirus) at the domestic and international level has locked down communities into isolated environments, making the entire world go into Digital Incubation Ecosystems. The work from home has led to an increase in all levels of digital consumption across all stratas of the society. </p><p> </p><p>Akamai, the leading global content delivery network (CDN) services provider for media and software delivery, and cloud security solutions, which generates globally 50 Terabytes of data per second has witnessed the demand for data/content increased to almost 2.86 times more since the COVID19 Epidemic surge. This identifies a change in consumption patterns and the norms of doing business in the digital age. Similarly media outlets have witnessed that there is an increase of more than 130% in online data consumption for their own websites as well.</p><p> </p><p>The question for policy makers and other stakeholders is that once the economies will recover from the COVID quarantine and isolation the world will see a new way of interacting, communicating and consuming content in the digital sphere, this all revolves around e-commerce solutions. Are we ready for that? </p><p> </p><p>While discussing the digital transformation, the participants also discussed the performance of the industry players and the regulatory bodies, the poor performance of the industry is a performance report of the failure at the part of the regulatory bodies to be unable to meet the quality standards. In telecommunication the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has failed to ensure the industry to create value for the citizens, businesses which are complaint and resilient on paper, yet are unable to deliver in reality. Internet services across Pakistan are weak and data transmission is not optimal for businesses compliance. However, the participants also emphasized the need to have a watchdog on the performance of the regulatory bodies and the government, so it can perform more effectively.</p><p> </p><p>Puruesh Chaudhary, President AGAHI and part of the World Futures Society said, It has forced people to adopt tech and make it part of their business operations. This is the time that technology related businesses should be concentrating on more public policy strengthening to ensure the "actions of today become the habits and norms of tomorrow". This means more people will be investing into their possible futures which are tech and digitally enhanced. </p><p> </p><p>This is a critical time to explore public policy interventions so the upcoming interactions and the seasonal holidays are celebrated with more ease of mind and advanced tech solutions that become contactless as a preferred choice for interacting between individuals and businesses. The possible purchases for the upcoming seasonal sales including the Black Fridays and Christmas shopping lists would definitely have more digital centric purchases instead of traditional ones this Fall 2020. The collective thinking of society is moving from traditional assets to digitally integrated assets as a preferred choice.</p><p> </p><p>Entrepreneurs and established businesses have an opportunity to recreate the business interactivity among customers, both being buyers and sellers to do more business in the digital space. </p><p> </p><p>The other businesses which are being impacted due to the COVID19 are travel and tourism, banks, hospitals and health professionals, law enforcement, education, call centers, parks and recreation and almost all businesses where one person interacts with another. </p><p> </p><p>The Public Policy agenda needs to consider digital as a pivot for transforming the society and making it ready for the dynamic futures as we witness them to unfold in front of us on a daily basis.</p><p> </p><p>-</p><p> </p><p><br></p>AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-2298638708707614382019-10-09T18:49:00.000+05:002019-10-09T18:49:51.725+05:00Pakistan slips 3 ranks on the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 of the World Economic Forum, secures 110 position among 141 countries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pakistan slips 3 ranks on the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 of the World Economic Forum, secures 110 position among 141 countries</h1>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Islamabad, PK – 09 October 2019 -<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75); font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif;"> The World Economic Forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 today. The Report has adopted a new methodology for measuring Competitiveness 4.0. by including indices which represents more knowledge and digital-based ecosystems. The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) 4.0 provides a detailed map of the factors and attributes that drive productivity, growth and human development in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The 2019 edition covers 141 economies, which account for 99% of the world’s GDP.</span></li>
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The World Economic Forum defines competitiveness as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country. Countries can improve their investment potentials by improving their competitiveness rankings. The Global Competitiveness Report, which in 2018 used a brand new methodology to fully capture the dynamics of the global economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, many of the factors that will have the greatest impact in driving competitiveness in the future have never been the focus of major policy decisions in the past. These include idea generation, entrepreneurial culture, openness, and agility. The new tool maps the competitiveness landscape of 141 economies through 103 indicators organized into 12 pillars.<br />Amir Jahangir at the Launch of the Global Competitiveness Index 2019 Report and Pakistan's Performance on Competitiveness 4.0<br />Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of Mishal Pakistan and the Country Partner Institute of the Future of Economic Progress System Initiative, World Economic Forum, said, “Pakistan needs to bridge the digital divide between citizens demand for governance and governments’ ability to deliver services through digital and e-governance platforms. The public policy agenda should have ICT adoption as one of the key drivers for transforming the economy to succeed in the fourth industrial revolution era.”</div>
On the Competitiveness 4.0, Pakistan has been ranked at 110th among 141 economies, slipping three positions below from last year’s 107. Pakistan has been ranked 107 in Institutions as compared to 109 last year, It is ranked 105 in infrastructure against 93 in 2018, The ICT adoption has slipped to 131 from 127 from a year earlier. With a loss of 13 ranks the Macroeconomic stability at 116 has greatly impacted country’s competitiveness rankings, While the Health pillars at 115 in 2019 has slipped from 109 from last year. The Skills pillar has retained its position as last year at 125. Pakistan has also lost 4 ranks on the Product Market Pillar with global ranking on 126. Pakistan improved its labor market efficiency with one point by securing 120 rank among 141 economies. While the Financial Systems Pillar lost 10 ranks and rests at 99 this year, compared to 89 last years, the country improved its competitiveness advantage by securing an impressive 29 position compared to 31 in 2018. Pakistan showed its best performance on the business dynamism by improving 15 points and securing 52 among 141 economies. This gain was due to Pakistan’s improvements on time to start a business where, it improves several ranks. The country scored 79 on the innovation capability pillar compared to 75 in 2018.<br />In South Asia, India, in 68th position, loses ground in the rankings despite a relatively stable score, mostly due to faster improvements of several countries previously ranked lower. It is followed by Sri Lanka (the most improved country in the region at 84th), Bangladesh (105th), Nepal (108th) and Pakistan (110th).<br />The Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 provides a compass for thriving in the new economy of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In the present context of economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and social and environmental challenges, it is even more critical that policymakers use the comprehensive tools of competitiveness to put the world economy on a path of growing productivity, inclusion and sustainability. The report shows this win-win-win combination is possible, but we will need bolder, visionary leadership and multi-stakeholder collaboration to achieve it,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.<br />“What is of greatest concern today is the reduced ability of governments and central banks to use monetary policy to stimulate economic growth. This makes it all the more important that competitiveness-enhancing polices are adopted that are able to boost productivity, encourage social mobility and reduce income inequality,” said Saadia Zahidi, Head of the Centre for the New Economy and Society at the World Economic Forum.<br />The Global Competitiveness Report 2019 highlights the fragile economic foundations of several least developed and emerging economies, making them highly vulnerable to shocks. With extreme poverty reduction decelerating and nearly half of humanity still struggling to meet basic needs, the report is a reminder of the need for sustained, productivity-enhancing economic growth remaining critical for improved living standards.<br />It has also become evident that policymakers face a choice when it comes to setting the right direction for growth through the “quality” of policies and public investments to proactively address challenges such as inequality, climate change and technological divides. The perceived trade-offs between economic, social and environmental factors may emerge from a short-term and narrow view of growth but can be mitigated by adopting a holistic and longer-term approach to sustainable development.<br />Singapore is the world’s most competitive economy in 2019, overtaking the United States, which falls to second place. Hong Kong SAR (3rd), Netherlands (4th) and Switzerland (5th) round up the top five. The average across the 141 economies covered is 61 points, almost 40 points to the frontier. This global competitiveness gap is of even more concern as the global economy faces the prospect of a downturn. The changing geopolitical context and rising trade tensions are fuelling uncertainty and could precipitate a slowdown. However, some of this year’s better performers in the GCI appear to be benefiting from the trade feud through trade diversion, including Singapore (1st) and Viet Nam (67th), the most improved country in this year’s Index.<br />The Report is a reminder to national policymakers to apply a holistic approach and better balance short-term considerations against factors whose impact is felt beyond quarterly results and election cycles. For example, the results of the index show that labour and education policies have not been keeping up with the pace of innovation in most countries, including in some of the largest and most innovative economies. Governments must better anticipate the unintended consequences of technological integration and implement complementary social policies that support populations through the Fourth Industrial Revolution.<br />Building on four decades of experience in benchmarking competitiveness, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 is a composite indicator that assesses the set of factors that determine an economy’s level of productivity – widely considered as the most important determinant of long-term growth. The GCI 4.0 framework is built around 12 main drivers of productivity, or pillars: Institutions, Infrastructure; ICT adoption; Macroeconomic stability; Health; Skills; Product market; Labour market; Financial system; Market size; Business dynamism; and Innovation capability. It comprises 103 individual indicators distributed across the 12 pillars.<br />The Global Competitiveness Report<em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Georgia, "Source Serif Pro", serif; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </em>is a flagship publication of the World Economic Forum’s Platform for Shaping the Future of the New Economy and Society. The Platform provides the opportunity to advancing prosperous, inclusive and equitable economies and societies. It focuses on co-creating a new vision in three interconnected areas: growth and competitiveness; education, skills and work; and equality and inclusion. Working together, stakeholders deepen their understanding of complex issues, shape new models and standards and drive scalable, collaborative action for systemic change.<br />Over 100 of the world’s leading companies and 100 international, civil society and academic organizations currently work through the Platform to promote new approaches to competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution economy; deploy education and skills for tomorrow’s workforce; build a new pro-worker and pro-business agenda for jobs; and integrate equality and inclusion into the new economy, aiming to reach 1 billion people with improved economic opportunities.<br />Mishal Pakistan is Pakistan’s leading strategic communication and design company. It is also the country Partner Institute of the Future of Economic Progress System Initiative, World Economic Forum. Mishal is responsible to generate primary data on more than 100 indicators measuring Pakistan’s competitiveness. Mishal’s foremost domain of activity is behavior change communication, strategic communication with a spotlight on media and perception management.</div>
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AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.0478848000000233.261279699999996 72.402437800000015 34.1075607 73.693331800000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-8342245489286801232018-10-18T18:25:00.001+05:002018-10-21T14:11:22.525+05:00The World Economic Forum Ranks Pakistan at 107 Among 140 Countries on the Global Competitiveness Index.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.0pt;">The World Economic Forum Ranks Pakistan at
107 Among 140 Countries on the Global Competitiveness Index.</span></b><br />
<h3 style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The new competitiveness 4.0 index prepares
countries to gear up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></h3>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8cVzCqCP2txN2ZYQUtxS3lLNWNQbG9TQUFvQks5eWdYX3FZ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Pakistan's Performance on the Global Competitiveness Index 2018</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The World Economic Forum
released the Global Competitiveness Report 2018 this week. The Report has
adopted a new methodology for measuring Competitiveness 4.0. by including
indices which represents more knowledge and digital-based ecosystems.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2N8paMgAWuc5r5qAl_OvAFo8T-Tio7N-lf8DiomGdUpcwRuK8IuqGrr9-FIaNBOnX9zEvKNgZgbG8Gkd9rcjklTv5wKnqt2aNTpey8CmtjleaSZUkPKG4f7pkVeRbtp6i5nzg6R5diI/s1600/GCI+2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2N8paMgAWuc5r5qAl_OvAFo8T-Tio7N-lf8DiomGdUpcwRuK8IuqGrr9-FIaNBOnX9zEvKNgZgbG8Gkd9rcjklTv5wKnqt2aNTpey8CmtjleaSZUkPKG4f7pkVeRbtp6i5nzg6R5diI/s320/GCI+2018.png" width="224" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Although the new methodology is a reboot
of the Index, where Pakistan has been ranked at 107 among 140 economies,
however to give a comparison with the old Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)
methodology, the WEF has given a ranking called the backcasting, where Pakistan
has shown improvement and ranked at 106 this year, as compared to 115 in 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Amir Jahangir, CEO Mishal Pakistan and the
Country Partner Institute for the Future of Economic Progress System
Initiative, World Economic Forum, said “the new methodology has been able to
capture the business dynamism and innovation capability of Pakistan and has
helped the country in achieving significant gains, however the factors for
enabling environment and the human capital have also identified the
competitiveness gaps in the economy”. He further said, “Pakistan as well as India
demonstrate the region’s lowest levels of technological readiness, confirming
the challenge for large emerging economies to fully integrate their entire
population, especially those living in the most remote areas into modernization
processes”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pakistan has also shown significant
improvements in collecting the soft-data through the Executive Opinion Survey,
with a sample size of 629, Pakistan represents the second largest contributor
to the Competitiveness 4.0 Index after India.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CE4amnTaMMbBcpRE0tzAza_rjDFw4MG7O7CXFoB1V7oWosSsFVTzNoIRYPGKjsu6Qr4UyuD4iN2RzN6I08b65y7-m44jOPdL_nIKOVKUvHKTpqnB6Oz7L-qMk9IXkwehHo2cRMBQj4Y/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-10-16+at+18.06.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1356" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CE4amnTaMMbBcpRE0tzAza_rjDFw4MG7O7CXFoB1V7oWosSsFVTzNoIRYPGKjsu6Qr4UyuD4iN2RzN6I08b65y7-m44jOPdL_nIKOVKUvHKTpqnB6Oz7L-qMk9IXkwehHo2cRMBQj4Y/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-10-16+at+18.06.36.png" width="563" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">On the 12 Pillars of Competitiveness, among
140 countries, Pakistan ranks at 109th on Institutions, Infrastructure (93),
ICT adoption (127), Marco-economic stability (103), Health (109), Skills (125),
Product market (122), Labour market (121), Financial system (89), Market size
(31), Business dynamism (67) and Innovation capacity (75).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q1decX7lVcKiCCVcgV_m4cip75IJr7RDNP-3re8u-ITNscpJrRHTQsVqSS_Q4X1JYrMoB6EfTl13auLgM8i5bMVvhLEQyyMFFuIIY1Nfz4Yrhq6hR5QUFR55B_Q7ud6PzsGyFEisWJU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-10-18+at+16.02.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="204" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q1decX7lVcKiCCVcgV_m4cip75IJr7RDNP-3re8u-ITNscpJrRHTQsVqSS_Q4X1JYrMoB6EfTl13auLgM8i5bMVvhLEQyyMFFuIIY1Nfz4Yrhq6hR5QUFR55B_Q7ud6PzsGyFEisWJU/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-10-18+at+16.02.45.png" width="142" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The changing nature of economic
competitiveness in a world that is becoming increasingly transformed by new,
digital technologies is creating a new set of challenges for governments and
businesses, which collectively run the risk of having a negative impact on
future growth and productivity. This is the key finding of the World Economic
Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Among the South Asian nations India is
leading at 58, with Sri Lanka 85 and Bangladesh at 103 and Nepal at 109. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">According to the report, which in 2018
uses a brand new methodology to fully capture the dynamics of the global
economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, many of the factors that will have
the greatest impact in driving competitiveness in the future have never been
the focus of major policy decisions in the past. These include idea generation,
entrepreneurial culture, openness, and agility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The new tool maps the competitiveness
landscape of 140 economies through 98 indicators organized into 12 pillars. For
each indicator, using a scale from 0 to 100, it indicates how close an economy
is to the ideal state or “frontier” of competitiveness. When combining these
factors, the United States achieves the best overall performance with a score
of 85.6, ahead of Singapore and Germany. The average score for the world is 60,
40 points away from the frontier.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">One unifying theme among the world’s most
competitive economies is that they all possess considerable room for
improvement. For example, while the report’s Global Competitiveness Index finds
that Singapore is the most ‘future-ready’ economy, it trails Sweden when it
comes to having a digitally skilled workforce. Switzerland, meanwhile, has the
most effective labour for reskilling and retraining policies and US companies
are the fastest when it comes to embracing change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">One of the report’s most concerning findings
is the relative weakness across the board when it comes to mastering the
innovation process, from idea generation to product commercialization. Here,
103 countries score lower than 50 in this area of the index which is topped by
Germany, followed by the United States and Switzerland. “Embracing the Fourth
Industrial Revolution has become a defining factor for competitiveness. With
this Report, the World Economic Forum proposes an approach to assess how well
countries are performing against this new criterion. I foresee a new global
divide between countries who understand innovative transformations and those
that don’t. Only those economies that recognize the importance of the Fourth
Industrial Revolution will be able to expand opportunities for their people,”
said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Openness must be complemented by inclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">At a time of escalating trade tensions and
a backlash against globalization, the report also reveals the importance of
openness for competitiveness. For example, those economies performing in
indicators that denote openness such as low tariff and non-tariff barriers,
ease of hiring foreign labour and collaboration in patent application among
others also tend to perform well in terms of innovation and market efficiency.
This data suggests that global economic health would be positively impacted by
a return to greater openness and integration. However, it is critical that
policies be put in place to improve conditions of those adversely affected by
globalization within countries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">A key message from the report is the need
for a broad-based approach to raising competitiveness - a strong<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">performance in one area cannot make up for
a weak performance in another. This is especially true when it comes to
innovation: while it is true that a strong focus on technology can provide
leapfrogging opportunities for low and middle income countries, governments
must not lose sight of ‘old’ developmental issues, such as governance, infrastructure
and skills. In this light one worrying factor thrown up by this year’s Index is
the fact that, for 117 of the 140 economies surveyed, quality of institutions
remains a drag on overall competitiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Competitiveness is neither a competition
nor a zero-sum game—all countries can become more prosperous. With opportunities
for economic leapfrogging, diffusion of innovative ideas across borders and new
forms of value creation, the Fourth Industrial Revolution can level the playing
field for all economies. But technology is not a silver bullet on its own.
Countries must invest in people and institutions to deliver on the promise of
technology.” Said Saadia Zahidi, Member of the Managing Board and Head of the
Centre for the New Economy and Society.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">About the Global Competitiveness Index 4.0
methodology Building on four decades of experience in benchmarking
competitiveness, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 is
a new composite indicator that assesses the set of factors that determine an economy’s
level of productivity—widely considered as the most important determinant of
long-term growth. The GCI 4.0 framework is built around 12 main drivers of
productivity. These pillars are: Institutions, Infrastructure; Technological
readiness; Macroeconomic context; Health; Education and skills; Product market;
Labor market; Financial system; Market size; Business dynamism; and Innovation.
They comprise 98 individual indicators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Centre for the New Economy and Society The
Report is part of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and
Society, which aims to build dynamic and inclusive economies in an era of
accelerated technological and political change, providing leaders with a
platform to understand and anticipate emerging economic and social trends and
to adapt policies and practices to our rapidly evolving context. A significant
portion of the Centre’s work focuses on shaping frameworks for fostering growth
and inclusion, including an accelerator for industrial policy and
competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Centre is also
supporting developed and emerging economies in setting up public-private collaborations
to close skills gaps and prepare for the future of work as part of its human
capital agenda. Finally, the Centre acts as a test bed for exploring the
emerging contours of the new economy, including rethinking economic value,
investment strategies for job creation, new principles for the gig economy and
new safety nets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Global Competitiveness Report’s new
methodology also offers insights into economies’ readiness for the future,
social capital, endowment of disruptive businesses and debt concerns, among
other indicators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan33.6844202 73.0478848000000233.261279699999996 72.402437800000015 34.1075607 73.693331800000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1432049643612168191.post-37764961899911325202017-09-27T03:00:00.000+05:002017-09-27T03:00:08.815+05:00Pakistan at 115, Improves Seven Ranks on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Pakistan at 115, Improves Seven Ranks on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018</span></h3>
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<em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Pakistan improves seven ranks on the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. For the ninth consecutive year, Switzerland ranks as the most competitive economy in the world, United States and Singapore ranks at second and third respectively.</em></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://mishal.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Pakistans-Performance-on-Global-Competitiveness-Index-2017-2018-of-World-Economic-Forum-27-09-2017-.pdf">Pakistan's Performance on Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018 of World Economic Forum - 27-09-2017</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Islamabad/Geneva, Switzerland, 27 September 2017 </strong>– Pakistan has shown impressive performance and extraordinary recovery on key competitiveness indicators. The country has been successful in strengthening and improving its institutions and macroeconomic framework, showing stability and improvements to its global competitiveness footing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The report is an annual assessment of the factors driving countries’ productivity and prosperity. the World Economic Forum </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">defines competitiveness as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country, GCI scores are calculated by drawing together country-level data covering 12 categories – the pillars of competitiveness – that collectively make up a comprehensive picture of a country’s competitiveness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Drawing on data going back 10 years, the report highlights in particular three areas of greatest concern. These include the financial system, where levels of “soundness” have yet to recover from the shock of 2007 and in some parts of the world are declining further. This is especially of concern given the important role the financial system will need to play in facilitating investment in innovation related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrli7SJ806achDllCTlAEGl9M2F5LK3geUE-NJf1-VZT2cQHKoIwqa444S_H4fu7kQSP2mK2w-I0270k4OzqFK8XQL4iVlWiD-es_2JWKV54PnVPWxC95cipk9LH1ECMMAHSCEAD3LvA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+2.54.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrli7SJ806achDllCTlAEGl9M2F5LK3geUE-NJf1-VZT2cQHKoIwqa444S_H4fu7kQSP2mK2w-I0270k4OzqFK8XQL4iVlWiD-es_2JWKV54PnVPWxC95cipk9LH1ECMMAHSCEAD3LvA/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+2.54.03+PM.png" width="194" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pakistan’s ranking at 115 is measured by the twelve pillars of Competitiveness. On the institutions pillar, Pakistan improved 21 ranks and stands at 90 from 111 last year. Infrastructure improved from 116 to 110, on the Macroeconomic Stability Pillar Pakistan improved 10 ranks and stands at 106.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On other pillars, among 137 countries, Pakistan ranks at Health and Primary Education 129, losing one rank from last year, Higher Education and Training improved from 123 to 120, Goods Market Efficiency 107, Labour Market Efficiency 128, Financial Market Development jumped from 107 to 96, Technological Readiness 111. Maintaining the regional competitiveness edge Pakistan ranks at 28 on the pillar of Market Size. Also showing sustained improvements on Bus</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">iness Sophistication the rank changed from 95 last year to 81 in 2017, while on the Innovation pillar an impressive improvement of 15 points now places Pakistan at 60 rank on the global competitiveness index.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amir Jahangir, Chief Executive Officer of Mishal Pakistan, the Country Partner Institute of the Global Competitiveness andBenchmarking Network of the World Economic Forum said, “Pakistan is classified as a factor driven economy, which primarily depends on improving its institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, health and primary education indicators. Pakistan has managed to resist the global crisis and has shown resilience for economic recovery. Globally countries that are competitive have shown resilience to crisis. However, the reforms agenda still remains an unfinished business”. He further said, “this year the Report also shows performance of the political government and its ability and understanding to address the competitiveness challenges.” He also said, “the country needs to concentrate on its primary health and education to benefit from the demographic dividend it offers”. With the convergence of data and policy, Pakistan has huge potential to make an impact of globally policy making for sustainable development initiatives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year among 114 global competitiveness indicators, Pakistan showed improvements on 82 key indices, whereas on 20 indices the country lost its previous position. While on 12 indices Pakistan, retained its position as last year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Competitiveness has improved across most countries in South Asia, in particular in the two Himalayan countries of Bhutan (82nd, up 15) and Nepal (88th, up 10). On a similarly positive trend, Pakistan (115th, up seven) and Bangladesh (99th, up seven) have both improved their scores across all pillars of competitiveness. Both India (40</span><sup style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, down one) and Sri Lanka (85</span><sup style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, down 14 ranks) had corruption and inefficient government bureaucracy as key factors for hindering progress. Upgrading ICT infrastructure and increasing ICT use remain among the biggest challenges for the region: over the past decade, South Asia has been the area where technological readiness stagnated the most.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The analysis from Mishal, the country partner institute for Pakistan also shows performance of some of the key regulatory bodies and other government institutions, which have shown progress as well. Among 138 countries the institutions are ranked as following: Intellectual Property Organization (97), Judicial Independence (80), Police Services (116), Auditor General of Pakistan Revenues (110), National Highways Authority (76), Pakistan Railways (52), Civil Aviation Authority (91), NEPRA (115), Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (116), National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (99), Competition Commission of Pakistan (70), Pakistan Customs (93), State Bank of Pakistan among other 138 Central Banks at (89), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan at (91) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (135).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018 also identifies Corruption as the most problematic factor for doing business in Pakistan, followed by tax rates, government instability/coups and crime and thefts.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To improve the soft-data on Pakistan, the World Economic Forum worked closely with Mishal Pakistan, the country partner institute of the Global Competitiveness and Benchmarking Network of WEF. This year a total of 526 respondents from the business community were reached out through the annual Executive Opinion Survey, whereas 236 were selected from last year and 290 from this year. The World Economic Forum reached out to more than 12,000 business leaders globally. This year Pakistan had the third largest sample size in the world after China and Mexico.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Global competitiveness will be more and more defined by the innovative capacity of a country. Talents will become increasingly more important than capital and therefore the world is moving from the age of capitalism into the age of talentism. Countries preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and simultaneously strengthening their political, economic and social systems will be the winners in the competitive race of the future,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another key finding is that competitiveness is enhanced, not weakened, by combining degrees of flexibility within the labour force with adequate protection of workers’ rights. With vast numbers of jobs set to be disrupted as a result of automation and robotization, creating conditions that can withstand economic shock and support workers through transition periods will be vital.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Report states that, “Despite positive development, leaders are facing major predicaments when it comes to economic policy. Uneven distribution of the benefits of economic progress, generational divides, rising income inequality in advanced economies, and increasing environmental degradation have heightened the sense that the economic policies of past years have not served citizens or society well. Coupled with growth rates that remain below historical levels, these quandaries put many prevalent models of economic growth and related policies into question. Major technological disruption and the new fault lines emerging in the global economic and political order add further uncertainty about the types of policies that will make economies future-proof. Taken together, all of these factors are challenging decision makers to find new approaches and policies to advance economic progress.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The report also highlights on why quantitative easing and other monetary policy measures have been insufficient in reigniting long-term growth for the world’s advanced economies. The report finds that interventions by economies with comparatively low GCI scores failed to generate the same effect as those performed in economies with high scores, suggesting that strong underlying competitiveness is a key requirement for successful monetary stimulus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The report offers insight into how priorities may be shifting for nations in earlier stages of development. While basic drivers of competitiveness such as infrastructure, health, education and well-functioning markets will always be important, data in the GCI suggests that a nation’s performance in terms of technological readiness, business sophistication and innovation is now as important in driving competitiveness and growth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><em>The Global Competitiveness Report</em>’s competitiveness ranking is based on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), which was introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2005. The 12 pillars of Competitiveness are: institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market efficiency, labour market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business sophistication, and innovation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Key Findings:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">TEN YEARS AFTER THE CRISIS, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IS STILL VULNERABLE </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE COUNTRIES ARE ABLE TO INNOVATE, BUT THEY MUST DO MORE TO SPREAD THE BENEFITS</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">THERE NEED BE NO TRADE-OFF BETWEEN LABOR MARKET FLEXIBILITY AND WORKERS’ RIGHTS</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Access full report, infographics, videos and more visit: <a href="http://www.weforum.org/" style="text-align: justify;">weforum.org</a></span></li>
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AJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16782192267094320479noreply@blogger.com0Islamabad, Pakistan33.7293882 73.09314610000001333.5179472 72.770422600000018 33.9408292 73.415869600000008