Pakistani MMA fighter Shahzaib Rind has explained the reasons behind his pre-fight altercation with Indian fighter Rana Singh, claiming that Singh had verbally abused him and made inappropriate comments about Pakistan. The incident went viral on social media, with Rind ultimately knocking out Singh in the subsequent fight. Rind, who has trained in the United States, expressed his pride in representing Pakistan and promoting a positive image of his country.
During a meeting with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, highlighted the importance of enhanced coordination between the two countries to combat terrorism. Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation and work together for regional stability and economic prosperity.
Pakistan hopes to reach a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by June or early July, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said. The current $3 billion agreement expires in late April, and Pakistan seeks a larger loan to support macroeconomic stability and structural reforms.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, calling it more suited for Pakistan than India. Sarma accused the Congress of planning to snatch resources from the masses for ‘appeasement’ and pledged to challenge them to a public debate.
The Capability, Accountability, and Responsiveness (CAR) framework has been influential in shaping the understanding of governance. The CAR framework consists of three key terms: capability, accountability, and responsiveness. Capability refers to the ability of a system to get things done effectively. Accountability refers to the extent to which individuals and organizations are answerable for their performance. Responsiveness refers to the extent to which a system is responsive to the needs of its stakeholders.
The CAR framework has been useful in understanding governance in developing countries, but it needs to be updated to reflect the changing landscape. The rise of middle powers, the influence of technology, and the changing nature of conflict have all had a profound impact on governance. The Pakistani elites provide a good example of a floundering nation due to its inability to find its voice and purpose in a fast-changing world.
The writer argues that there is a need for a new language for governance. The old CAR framework is no longer adequate to address the challenges of the 21st century.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will embark on a five-day personal visit to China on Monday to receive medical attention, marking his first foreign tour since returning from a four-year self-imposed exile in the UK in October 2023.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a new spell of rainfall and thunderstorms across various parts of Pakistan, primarily in the upper regions, from April 24 to 29. This weather system is expected to bring light to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and occasional hailstorms.
Pakistan plans to privatize three major airports, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, as part of its efforts to secure an IMF bailout package. The government is also aiming to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by July 2024. This privatization push is a condition set by the IMF to address the country’s loss-making public-sector entities. Economic initiatives taken by the government, such as measures to reduce the current account deficit, are showing positive results, with foreign exchange reserves expected to increase by June.
Pakistan is on track to secure a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The country has requested a bailout package of $6-$8 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which may be augmented with climate financing. Macroeconomic factors, including a stabilized rupee and declining inflation, are shifting in Pakistan’s favor. The IMF has emphasized the importance of reforms rather than the size of the loan program.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s trip to Pakistan aims to improve bilateral relations following tensions earlier this year. The visit also comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East after Iran’s attack on Israel. Pakistan and Iran seek to combat terrorism and establish a consultation system for progress in various sectors. Raisi’s trip highlights Iran’s efforts to bolster ties with regional players, while Pakistan faces pressure to maintain its US and Saudi relations. Despite Pakistan’s energy needs, the US opposes the construction of an Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, citing sanctions risk.
