Planning Minister Ah­san Iqbal’s call for a digital revolution is a stark contrast to such re­gressive rhetoric. However, aspirations for a digital Pak­istan ring hollow when internet services are repeatedly disrupted under the pretext of security, stifling economic and social growth. The scars of the YouTube ban, which hampered the nation’s digital growth for years, remain a cautionary tale. While other countries ad­vanced their digital footprints during that time, Pakistan lost invaluable opportunities, both economically and in global perception. The digital revolution is inevitable; it is time we decide whether to lead it or be left behind.

The continued denial of the right to self-determination under UN resolutions and international law has exacerbated the grievances of the Kash­miri population, leading to widespread disillusionment and leaving the people of occupied Kashmir in a quandary. The international community has re­mained oblivious to the complete shut­down and curfews in Illegally Indian Oc­cupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since August 2019. It is assessed that Modi and his team may ultimately stage-manage a plebiscite in occupied Jammu and Kash­mir to resolve the Kashmir issue on the UN Security Council agenda. Ironically, Israel supports In­dia in occupied Kashmir, a stance akin to betraying its own history while per­petrating the brutal genocide of Pales­tinian Muslims in Gaza. This could ul­timately pave the way for resolving the Kashmir issue, the Indus Water Treaty dispute, and other territorial conflicts.

Lahore experienced a slight improvement in its air quality on Sunday, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 295, moving out of the "hazardous" range. However, the city remains in the "very unhealthy" category, ranking as the second most polluted city globally, according to Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir. The megacity, home to over 14 million residents, continues to grapple with the persistent smog crisis that has plagued Punjab. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb declared a health emergency in Lahore and Multan, labeling the smog situation a national disaster. Other cities in Pakistan, including Multan (228), Peshawar (166), Rawalpindi (145), Islamabad (144), and Karachi (134), have also reported unhealthy to moderate AQI levels.

India on Sunday announced the successful flight test of its first long-range hypersonic missile. The test was conducted late Saturday night off the coast of Odisha in eastern India, the Defense Ministry said in a statement. “This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) for the Armed Forces,” it said. According to the ministry, the missile was tracked by various range systems deployed in multiple domains, and flight data confirmed "the successful terminal manoeuvres and impact with a high degree of accuracy." This is India's second major test this week, following the maiden flight of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile on Tuesday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing criticism for its perceived unfair treatment of Pakistan, the host nation for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Reports suggest that the ICC's handling of the trophy tour announcement has revealed a lack of regard for the host country. According to sources, the ICC's press release failed to acknowledge Pakistan as the host nation. The statement made no mention of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), its officials, or the designated venues for the tournament. The ICC also did not include any references to the Champions Trophy schedule, venues, or logos featuring Pakistan.

Dry fruits, desi chicken broth, and soup have seen a steep rise in prices in open markets. This year, dry fruits have become unaffordable for many due to soaring costs. Peanuts, a favourite among people of all ages, have reached an unprecedented price of Rs 800 per kilogram. A visit to the market reveals shocking price tags: plain soup at Rs 160, egg soup at Rs 180, special chicken egg soup at Rs 200, broth at Rs 140, and special broth cups at Rs 180. With nearly 40% of Pakistan’s population in the middle class, such price hikes on seasonal foods are unsustainable and must be addressed.

IDEAS (International Defence Exhibition and Seminar) typically refer to an exhibition or event that showcases cutting-edge ideas, inventive solutions, and progressive initiatives from various defence related industries (inland and abroad). Now regarded as an iconic gathering in the global defence sector, IDEAS serves as a premier platform for showcasing innovations in defence and security technologies. IDEAS is a collective vision for a safer and more prosperous future. In terms of global participation, the 11th edition of IDEAS in 2022 witnessed 532 local and international defence companies from 38 countries exhibiting their defense technologies. With each edition, IDEAS continues to expand its international reach, solidifying its status as a premier global defence exhibition.

BAKU: Pakistan and UNICEF have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at prioritising the protection of children from the severe effects of climate change. The MoU was signed during the COP29 global climate conference in Baku on Saturday, with Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam witnessing the ceremony at the Pakistan Pavilion. Ministry of Climate Secretary Aisha Humera Moriani and UNICEF Deputy Executive Director also signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, affirming their commitment to collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on the younger population. Representatives from the federal and provincial governments of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa also pledged their support, reaffirming their commitment to protecting the rights and interests of children affected by the climate crisis. Under the MoU, UNICEF will work with federal and provincial governments to ensure that children’s rights are central to climate action and future investments.

Harvey is the first female author to win the prize since 2019. Photo: AFPA lifelong fascination with outer space inspired British author Samantha Harvey to write her novel Orbital, which this week won the prestigious Booker Prize. The 49-year-old author admitted that she had no specialist knowledge but was instead inspired by the live video feed from the International Space Station. But she insisted: "I think this novel is really more about the Earth than it is about space itself. But I think that's something that's entirely beyond my remit."

ISLAMABAD, NOV 16: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condemned a “terrorist attack” in Kalat, stating that such cowardly acts cannot deter the country’s resolve. In a post on X today, premier Shehbaz — while condemning the latest attack — sent his “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families”. “Such cowardly acts cannot deter our resolve — together with our nation and security forces, we will eliminate this menace,” the premier said. Screengrab taken from PM Shehbaz’s X accountFurther details regarding the Kalat attack are awaited as the authorities are yet to officially release any information regarding the casualties, if any. On September 26, at least two policemen were among a dozen people injured by a bomb attack, which targeted a police vehicle in Quetta.

Xi Jinping Kicks Off Chancay Megaport Opening As Trade Relations Flourish The new port symbolizes deepening ties between China and Peru, enhancing trade routes across the PacificOn November 14, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated the Chancay Megaport during a ceremony attended by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and various high-profile officials. Situated approximately 80 kilometers north of Lima on Peru's Pacific coast, the Chancay Port is geared up to become one of the most significant logistics hubs between Asia and Latin America. The potential economic benefits of the Chancay Port are significant, with estimates predicting it could generate around $4.5 billion annually for Peru and create over 8,000 jobs. The Chancay Port is also expected to significantly alter the logistics of agricultural exports, which is particularly important for South American nations eager to expand their market reach. Political analyst Parsifal D’Sola stated, "The Chancay port is the perfect opportunity to make a big splash, not only in Peru, but at a global level."

General Syed Asim Munir says Fitna al-Khwarij has become a core for all terrorist organisations and proxies worldwide. COAS further said that without comprehensive laws and regulations, misinformation and hate speech will continue destabilising political and social structures. Stressing the need for comprehensive laws and regulations, Asim Munir said that without comprehensive laws and regulations, misinformation and hate speech would continue to destabilize political and social structures. Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering resolve in the fight against terrorism, COAS said terrorism remained a shared challenge for all humanity at the global level. General Asim Munir said Pakistan is a nation of 240 million people, with approximately 63 per cent of its population under the age of 30.

The Sindh High Court has issued an order stopping recruitment for Grade-16 positions through the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC), directing the College Education Department to fill only half of the posts via the commission. In a hearing on a petition challenging recruitment practices in the College Education Department, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that department rules mandate that 50% of appointments be made through promotions and 50% through the SPSC. The court had previously instructed the College Education Department to leave 125 of these positions open for internal promotion, but the department proceeded with all recruitment through the SPSC. “Under the rules, only 50% of Grade-16 hires should be made through the public service commission,” the lawyer stated. The petition was filed by an employee of the College Education Department.

Immigration Cuts Challenge Housing Solutions Across Borders Debates between policymakers and community leaders rise amid housing shortages from Canada to the U.S. The impact of immigration policies on housing and the economy has become increasingly significant and contentious. The PBO noted, "the federal government is overestimasting the impact its cuts to immigration will have on the country's housing shortage." A perspective shared by various analysts claims this could offer cities more breathing room to address their respective housing shortages. For regions facing housing shortages, leaders have begun exploring alternative solutions, such as expedited housing developments and the use of vacant properties.

The Punjab government has recently made significant changes to its agricultural income tax (AIT) laws. These changes aim to align AIT rates with federal income tax rates, expand the tax base to include income from commercial livestock, and eliminate certain exemptions. The goal is to create a more equitable tax system and increase government revenue. Additionally, the involvement of revenue officials, who have a reputation for corruption, raises concerns about fair and equitable tax collection. Critics argue that the changes could disproportionately burden smallholder farmers, who may struggle to comply with the new regulations.