Author: Maxter ʚïɞ

This author has written 2722 articles

SUMMARY of the Article “Burying democracy,” Dr. Niaz Murtaza, Dawn, October 1st, 2024

The article highlights the severe threats facing Pakistan’s democracy, which has long been undermined by powerful forces within the state, particularly the military establishment. Dr. Niaz Murtaza argues that democracy is nearing extinction, with recent developments signaling its potential burial. He outlines a series of democratic assaults in recent years, including manipulated elections, the politicization of state institutions, disregard for Supreme Court rulings, and the complete dominance of the military establishment over civilian governments. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), once stalwarts of democratic governance, are now complicit in these undemocratic moves, seemingly operating as extensions of the security apparatus. The article laments the irony of these parties supporting measures that could harm not only democracy but also their own political futures. Dr. Murtaza criticizes the media, legal community, and civil society for their passive acceptance of these attacks on democratic institutions. He warns that these anti-democratic actions will have long-lasting consequences, including the erosion of state legitimacy, increased lawlessness, terrorism, and extremism. The article concludes with a call to resist any moves to subdue the judiciary and preserve what remains of Pakistan’s democratic foundations. » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “The Uphill Climb to Woo Neighbours,” by Jawed Naqvi, Dawn, September 24th, 2024

The article examines India’s foreign relations in the context of its growing strategic involvement with its neighbors, particularly Sri Lanka. It begins by recounting a symbolic act by the Indian high commissioner in Sri Lanka, who installed a water vending machine at a tourist site to showcase India’s goodwill. However, this small gesture is contrasted with the larger, more significant geopolitical issues brewing between India, its neighbors, and Western allies. The focus then shifts to India’s entanglement in the US-led strategy to counter China’s influence, particularly through initiatives like the anti-China Quad group. The article explores how this strategy might backfire for India, especially as Sri Lanka elects Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Beijing-friendly Marxist leader, as its president. Despite India’s efforts to court Dissanayake, including a state visit and diplomatic outreach, the new leader’s stance on Indian businessman Gautam Adani’s projects in Sri Lanka has been openly critical. Dissanayake accused the Adani Group of striking corrupt deals, promising to cancel the wind power project if elected. The article points out that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, may need to reevaluate its approach to regional diplomacy, as its close ties with Western powers and controversial business figures like Adani could complicate its relationships with neighboring nations. The broader message is that » Read More…

Detailed SUMMARY of the Article “Fancy Tax Scheme,” Dawn, September 23rd, 2024

The article critically examines Pakistan’s recently proposed tax enforcement mechanism, labeling it as ineffective and misaligned with the goal of broadening the tax base. The editorial argues that the new tax policy disproportionately burdens compliant taxpayers, particularly the middle class, while allowing tax evaders to remain unscathed. The scheme, approved by the prime minister, seeks to prevent non-taxpayers from purchasing assets such as cars, real estate, and financial instruments and restricts their ability to open bank accounts. However, it fails to abolish the non-filer category unique to Pakistan, allowing tax evaders to continue their avoidance strategies. The mechanism divides taxpayers into two groups: those declaring an income below Rs10 million and those above. The article points out the unfair assumption that those earning less than Rs10 million are underreporting their income, thus treating them as potential tax evaders, while individuals above this threshold escape scrutiny. Moreover, the system amplifies the discretionary powers of tax officials, increasing the likelihood of corruption. The article stresses that instead of introducing convoluted enforcement mechanisms, the government should focus on plugging legal loopholes, enhancing accountability, and implementing a fair tax system supported by political will and efficient bureaucracy to genuinely expand the tax net and » Read More…

Which two countries are in the race to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon?
USA and Russia
China and Germany
Russia and China
Japan and Canada
Show Answer…
Correct Answer: Russia and China
» Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “SCO’s Future,” by Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Dawn, September 22nd, 2024

The article examines the upcoming heads of government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to be hosted by Pakistan on October 15-16, 2024. The SCO, which originated from the Shanghai Five in 1996, has expanded over the years to include Pakistan, India, Iran, and Belarus. Representing nearly 80% of Eurasian landmass, 40% of the global population, and 30% of the world’s GDP, the SCO was initially seen as a potential land bridge between Asia and Europe, eliciting concerns from the West due to its perceived opposition to US-led global systems. However, internal dynamics, particularly India’s ambivalence towards the SCO, have weakened its cohesion. India, once a committed member, has begun to distance itself due to the organization’s perceived anti-Western stance, as seen in Prime Minister Modi’s absence from recent summits and a shift towards virtual engagements. India’s strained relations with China and Pakistan further complicate its role within the SCO, hampering initiatives like regional connectivity and anti-terrorism efforts. The article discusses India’s efforts to counter China’s influence in Central Asia and its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Additionally, India’s “offensive defense” strategy against Pakistan has undermined the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. With growing interest in the expanded BRICS group, including countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, both China and Russia appear to be shifting focus away » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Reforms & the IMF,” Rashid Amjad, Dawn, September 14th, 2024

The article emphasizes the necessity of structural reforms for Pakistan’s long-term economic growth. According to the author, Rashid Amjad, the country needs to achieve a growth rate of at least 6% to reduce poverty, unemployment, and regional disparities. However, each time the economy attempts to grow at this pace, it faces a balance-of-payments crisis, resulting in the need for economic reforms. Contrary to popular belief, reforms are not forced upon Pakistan solely by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Instead, the country requires these reforms to address its irresponsible financial management, including high fiscal deficits, rising debts, and insufficient taxation. The author argues that if the ruling elite accepted the need for reforms and initiated durable economic changes, Pakistan could avoid relying on the IMF altogether. However, the political elite, who benefit from the current system, resist necessary reforms. The article also highlights the IMF’s approach, which sometimes exacerbates public hardships, as well as the loss of confidence from global markets and Pakistan’s international allies, such as China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. To overcome this situation, the author urges the formation of a coalition with the political will to implement reforms that have broad public support. This would restore

» Read More…