Author: Maxter ʚïɞ

This author has written 2722 articles

SUMMARY of the Article “Debt trap,” Editorial, Dawn, May 30th, 2024

Pakistan’s debt situation has escalated significantly, resulting in immense pressure on the national budget. The fiscal deficit has averaged 7.3% of the GDP over the past five years, contributing to a national debt of Rs78.9 trillion, comprising Rs43.4 trillion in domestic debt and Rs32.9 trillion in external loans. This has created a debt trap where the country must continuously borrow to repay existing debts. Consequently, debt servicing costs have soared, with the latest estimates rising from Rs7.3 trillion to Rs8.3 trillion for the current fiscal year. The finance ministry’s Mid-Year Budget Review Report indicates a 64% increase in debt payments, reaching Rs4.2 trillion in the first half of the fiscal year. This surge is attributed to both the growing debt stock and a record-high interest rate of 22%, which has significantly increased the cost of domestic debt. The report highlights that domestic debt payments constitute nearly 90% of total debt servicing costs. The high » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “World War III?” by Mahir Ali, Dawn, May 29th, 2024

The article delves into the complexities of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and the geopolitical maneuvers surrounding it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is actively seeking international support for a peace conference scheduled in Switzerland, hoping to involve key global leaders like Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, although Russian President Vladimir Putin is excluded. Ukraine aims to convince the Global South to abandon neutrality and pressure Russia to end its war. However, swaying China, a major ally of Russia, remains a distant goal due to China’s economic and political ties with Russia. Despite Western sanctions, Russia’s economy, bolstered by support from China and India and a robust military industry, continues to grow, undermining the impact of these sanctions. Additionally, Russian elites still obtain Western goods through intermediaries like Dubai. A peace conference excluding Russia is deemed ineffective, especially given Putin’s probable » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Boiling point,” by Huma Yusuf, Dawn, May 27th, 2024

The article addresses the recurring issue of extreme heatwaves in Pakistan and their multifaceted impacts, highlighting both economic and social dimensions. While Pakistan is somewhat better prepared for heatwaves compared to 2015, with improved public awareness and emergency measures in place, the country still lacks comprehensive resilience against climate change. Economic implications are significant, as highlighted by research from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the Asian Development Bank, which forecast severe reductions in global income and labor productivity due to global warming. Specifically for Pakistan, a study from Dartmouth University links temperature increases to declines in economic growth. Extreme heat exacerbates inequality, disproportionately affecting women, the poor, and marginalized groups who lack resources and access to adequate housing, energy, and healthcare. Women, in particular, face severe economic and physical challenges, with female-headed households and female farm laborers experiencing significant income and productivity losses. Heatwaves also correlate with increased gender-based violence and deteriorating mental health, with » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Tightening embrace,” by Maleeha Lodhi, Dawn, May 27th, 2024

In her article, Maleeha Lodhi examines the unintended consequences of current US foreign policy, particularly its impact on China and Russia’s strategic partnership. The recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing underscores this dynamic, as both nations are drawn closer in response to US actions. The backdrop includes US warnings to China regarding support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Chinese companies for allegedly supplying military components to Russia. This, along with increased tariffs on Chinese imports by the Biden administration aimed at gaining favor with » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Hot spells,” Dawn Editorial, May 26th, 2024

The article addresses the severe heatwave affecting Pakistan, particularly 26 districts since May 21, and warns of two additional waves in June. The current heatwave is expected to last until May 30, with temperatures rising 5°C to 6°C above normal. The subsequent heatwaves are predicted to occur from June 7-8 and again in the last week of June. This increase in frequency and intensity of heatwaves is attributed to unsustainable environmental practices, which also accelerate glacier melting and increase the risk of forest fires. In response, the government has implemented several measures, including disseminating comprehensive guidelines, issuing early warnings, and conducting public awareness campaigns to educate people on health risks and precautions. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is coordinating with provincial departments for timely responses to natural disasters. The editorial emphasizes that while these efforts are commendable, more actions are needed. Expanding green cover through aggressive reforestation, enhancing urban infrastructure to withstand extreme heat, ensuring continuous water and electricity supply, and improving disaster » Read More…