Nuclear Success
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said that International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano has termed Pakistan’s nuclear power generation program as one of the most successful in the world. The declaration followed a visit to the under construction Chashma Power Plant unit 5. During his two-day visit, Mariano also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Inflation Inches Up
The retail market is already feeling the effects of Ramzan, with prices of essential food commodities inching up, as in previous years. This inflation aligns with expectations of the State Bank of Pakistan, which had earlier indicated that the inflation would inch back up before stabilizing. Despite government efforts to curb prices during Ramzan, the holy month traditionally sees a major bump to food prices.
Encouraging Safety
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police have issued a security advisory for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, urging him to enhance his security and restrict movement in the province. A spokesman for the opposition party has criticized the advisory, urging the government to ensure security rather than spread panic over potential terror threats.
Seeking Better Ties
The Foreign Office has stressed that all foreign affairs fall under federal jurisdiction, adding that an initiative of the Khyber-Pakhunkhwa government to send delegations to Afghanistan for talks will only proceed with the center’s approval. Aimed at achieving peace and restoring economic ties, the talks come amidst resurgent terrorism in Pakistan from across the border.
No Mercy
Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir has urged terrorists to surrender to authorities, warning they will not receive any mercy if they continue to resist efforts to root out terrorism from Pakistan. Stressing that militants rely on a “perverted” interpretation of Islam, he has vowed that authorities will not allow them to impose such values on the nation.
High-profile Visit
A high-level delegation of nine executive directors of the World Bank is currently visiting Pakistan to discuss the country’s economic plans and investment opportunities. The first such visit in nearly 20 years will also deliberate on the recently approved Country Partnership Framework for the next decade and strategize development initiatives with the federal and provincial governments.
Endangering Lives
The UNAIDS chief has warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend overseas funding can result in millions more deaths from AIDS globally. Noting that the suspended USAID is a big part of AIDS relief funding, the senior official has noted that its supports more than 20 million HIV patients and 270,000 health workers.
Long-awaited Reforms
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has approved historic land reforms, which would now be presented to its assembly for ratification. Under the reforms, land ownership will be transferred to the public in the region. The authorities have stressed that the move aims to ensure that locals profit from growing tourism in the region.
Banning Phones
The Global Education Monitoring Report has revealed that 79 education systems globally, roughly 40 percent, have banned the use of smartphones in schools through laws or policies. While supporting the banning of technology that hampers education, the report has argued for allowing the use of phones when they support learning outcomes.
United Front
Iran has called on Arab and Islamic countries across the globe to unite against Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza. Tehran’s foreign minister has stressed on support for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)’s efforts to confront the joint U.S.-Israeli plot to forcibly relocate Palestinians from their homeland for “development” of the war-torn Gaza Strip.