Author: Faheem Rafique

The Pakistani military reports a significant clash with militants in the Balochistan region, announcing the elimination of 24 insurgents over a span of three days. This development, shared in a military statement on Friday, arrives amidst heightened tensions and increased security alerts as the nation braces for its electoral process. The statement also bore the weight of loss, acknowledging the deaths of four law enforcement agents and two civilians—casualties that underline the volatility in border areas. The sense of urgency is further compounded by recent militant activities including suicide bombings that targeted complexes in Mach and Kolpur, according to the…

In anticipation of the upcoming elections on February 8, a pivotal meeting was held by Commissioner Hyderabad Syed Khalid Hyder Shah, stressing the importance of uninterrupted electricity at polling stations. This directive underscores a commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process, as the nation gears up for a significant exercise in democracy. The commissioner, leading the preparatory talks, outlined the necessity for solar systems, batteries, and generators to be set up in areas lacking traditional power infrastructure provided by HESCO. This precautionary step aims to mitigate any power-related disruptions that could potentially taint the electoral proceedings. Furthermore, Commissioner…

In a decisive move to uphold democratic integrity, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in Sindh has taken a strong stance on enforcing election regulations. Notices have been issued to several political parties and candidates for alleged breaches of the election code of conduct, shining a spotlight on the importance of fair electoral practices in the bustling city of Karachi. The ECP’s vigilant monitoring across the province signals a commitment to a transparent and just electoral process. Officials are not only observing but actively responding to any deviations from the established guidelines. This vigilance is not without cause; electoral conduct…

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi warmly welcomed Mongolia’s new envoy to Pakistan, Ambassador Tuvvshin Badral. The formal reception, steeped in the customary exchange of pleasantries and hopes for the future, marked the beginning of what seems to be a promising chapter in Pakistan-Mongolia relations. Congratulating Ambassador Badral on his new role, the Foreign Secretary expressed a robust desire to enrich the partnership between the two nations, aiming to bolster cooperation across various sectors of mutual benefit. The cordial meeting underscores Pakistan’s strategic intent to enhance its diplomatic ties with Mongolia, a relationship that has…

Are the tigers ready to roar on their home ground? This coming March, Bangladesh is set to host Sri Lanka for a riveting all-format cricket tour, marking the first international cricket series of the year for the host nation. As announced by the Bangladesh Cricket Board, the tour kicks off with a trio of Twenty20 matches in the culturally vibrant northeast city of Sylhet, starting on March 4. Transitioning from the fast-paced T20 action, both teams will then head to the scenic port city of Chittagong, which will play host to a series of one-day internationals beginning March 13. These…

Is India fortifying its economic defenses? The subcontinental giant’s foreign exchange reserves swelled by $590 million to reach $616.73 billion as of January 26, according to recent data from the central bank. This uptick comes in the wake of a $2.8 billion dip the previous week, stirring conversations on the nuanced dance of forex market maneuvers. Navigating the choppy waters of the global economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively engages in the foreign exchange market. Its primary aim is not to dictate the direction but to smooth out the sharp edges of excess volatility that often plague the…

Are we entering a new era for gold? In Pakistan, the price of the precious metal continues to climb, echoing the uptrend seen in international markets. On a recent Friday, gold enthusiasts watched the yellow metal surge to Rs217,700 per tola, registering a significant rise of Rs1,400 within the day’s trading. This uptick reflects a broader sentiment in bullion markets globally, as investors and enthusiasts alike seek a haven amid economic uncertainties. The allure of gold is not lost on smaller scale transactions either. The 10-gram gold rate also saw an increase, reaching Rs186,643 after climbing by Rs1,201, as confirmed…

In a year characterized by a volatile energy market, Exxon Mobil’s announcement of a $36 billion profit for 2023 comes as a beacon of enduring strength in the oil industry. Despite an anticipated dip in profits across oil majors due to declining oil and gas prices, Exxon Mobil’s earnings have outstripped expectations, bolstered significantly by savvy fuels trading and a boost in production. The backdrop to these earnings is a global energy landscape that has been anything but stable. The aftermath of geopolitical tensions, most notably Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, sent oil and gas prices skyward. However, as these prices…

China’s economy is indeed at a crossroads, grappling with significant challenges that threaten to moderate its once-stellar growth trajectory. The IMF’s latest report casts a sobering outlook, projecting that China’s growth will taper to 3.5 percent by 2028, which represents a significant downshift from the robust expansions of the past. This deceleration is attributed to two formidable headwinds: faltering productivity and the demographic dilemma of an aging population. Central to these troubles is the lingering crisis in China’s real estate sector, where towering debt levels loom large. The plight of Evergrande is emblematic of the wider industry’s distress, with the…

Is there a new wind blowing through the financial streets of Britain? On Friday, a surge of optimism swept across Britain’s main stock indexes, buoyed by solid tech earnings across the pond and an unexpected uplift in airline traffic reports. Amidst a global financial landscape where uncertainties have become the only certainty, the blue-chip FTSE 100 and its mid-cap counterpart, the FTSE 250, both found firmer ground, edging up by 0.4% and 1.0% respectively. The ascendant mood was in no small part thanks to Wizz Air, whose shares soared by an impressive 9.4% to lead the FTSE 250’s gains. The…