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SUMMARY of the Article “Mixed Developments” by Khurram Husain, Dawn, October 3rd, 2024

The article discusses Pakistan’s current economic situation, which, though not entirely bleak, remains challenging. The government is nearing the end of the stabilisation phase in economic management, with encouraging steps like the debt buyback plan aimed at reducing the burden of maturing Treasury bills. Domestic debt, now nearly 50% of the country’s GDP, remains a significant concern. Inflation has fallen to below 7%, earlier than projected, due to a tightly controlled money supply, validating the State Bank’s high-interest rates strategy. Despite the improvement in some macroeconomic indicators, such as higher-than-expected revenue grants and a better primary balance, uncertainties persist. The latest IMF projections show some improvements compared to May 2024 forecasts, but the economy’s debt burden and external vulnerabilities remain issues that need long-term resolution. » Read More…

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
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