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EAM Jaishankar meets Antony Blinken, US NSA Sullivan in WashingtonTourism moot planned next month The representational image shows tourists enjoying their time in Pakistan's Northern Areas. — Facebook@kptourism Islamabad: Supported by the national organisations of tourism, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation and provincial tourism authorities, the Pakistan Travel Mart will take place late next month. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); Thereafter, a roadshow will be held in Islamabad from Feb 4 to Feb 5, underscoring the essence of collaboration as the key to its success and continues to be a pivotal driver for the development of Pakistan’s tourism landscape. A special networking session was organised ahead of the tourism moot, bringing together key stakeholders from the travel and tourism sector. The event served as a prelude to PTM 2025, fostering dialogue and strengthening partnerships among national and international participants. For the first time, PTM introduced a dedicated Tech Hall, bridging technology and travel to create seamless consumer experiences. Supported by industry partners such as Pakistan Software Export Board and Pakistan Software Houses Association, the Tech District will spotlight technology companies, innovative platforms, and start-ups in the travel and tourism sector. This initiative not only highlights ground-breaking solutions but also fosters visibility and collaboration for future growth. The organisers said PTM 2025 also marked a strategic leap into medical tourism. According to them, partnering with leading hospitals, PTM aims to position Pakistan as a hub for medical tourism by connecting health tourism products with travel companies to sell these offerings. This new concept in Pakistan is set to open doors for industry growth and international collaborations. This year’s PTM will host the Learning Enclave, an interactive hub featuring insights from local and international travel, tourism, and hospitality leaders. Through engaging talks, panel discussions, case studies, and immersive demonstrations, the Learning Enclave will transform traditional learning spaces into dynamic, interactive mini-environments designed to maximize engagement and knowledge-sharing. The organisers said PTM 2025 would also launch the Sustainable Destinations Forum, emphasising sustainability, cultural preservation, and natural conservation. Through a series of panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, this forum will showcase global best practices in sustainable tourism, providing Pakistan an invaluable opportunity to learn and implement these practices.
Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”
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Trump asks court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after inaugurationJANUARY Glynis Johns, 100. A Tony Award-winning stage and screen star who played the mother opposite Julie Andrews in the classic movie “Mary Poppins” and introduced the world to the bittersweet standard-to-be “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim. Jan. 4. David Soul, 80. The actor-singer was a 1970s heartthrob who co-starred as the blond half of the crime-fighting duo “Starsky & Hutch” and topped the music charts with the ballad “Don’t Give Up on Us.” Jan. 4. Joyce Randolph, 99. A veteran stage and television actor whose role as the savvy Trixie Norton on “The Honeymooners” provided the perfect foil to her dimwitted TV husband. Jan. 13. Jack Burke Jr., 100 . He was the oldest living Masters champion and staged the greatest comeback ever at Augusta National for one of his two majors. Jan. 19. Dexter Scott King, 62. He dedicated much of his life to shepherding the civil rights legacy of his parents, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Jan. 22. Charles Osgood, 91. He anchored “CBS Sunday Morning” for more than two decades, was host of the long-running radio program “The Osgood File” and was referred to as CBS News’ poet-in-residence. Jan. 23. Chita Rivera, 91. The dynamic dancer, singer and actress who garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning twice, in a long Broadway career that forged a path for Latina artists and shrugged off a near-fatal car accident. Jan. 30. FEBRUARY Carl Weathers, 76. A former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies, starring with Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore.” Feb. 1. Toby Keith, 62. A hit country crafter of pro-American anthems who both riled up critics and was loved by millions of fans. Feb. 5. Stomach cancer. Alexei Navalny, 47. The fiercest foe of Russian President Vladimir Putin who crusaded against official corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests. Feb. 16. Jacob Rothschild, 87. The financier and philanthropist was part of the renowned Rothschild banking dynasty. Feb. 26. Richard Lewis, 76. An acclaimed comedian known for exploring his neuroses in frantic, stream-of-consciousness diatribes while dressed in all-black, leading to his nickname “The Prince of Pain.” Feb. 27. MARCH Iris Apfel, 102. A textile expert, interior designer and fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style. March 1. David E. Harris, 89. He flew bombers for the U.S. military and broke barriers in 1964 when he became the first Black pilot hired at a major U.S. airline. March 8. Eric Carmen, 74. The singer-songwriter fronted the power-pop 1970s band the Raspberries and later had soaring pop hits like “All by Myself” and “Hungry Eyes” from the hit “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack. March 11. Joe Lieberman, 82. The former U.S. senator of Connecticut nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in the disputed 2000 election and almost became Republican John McCain’s running mate eight years later. March 27. Complications from a fall. Louis Gossett Jr., 87. The first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots.” March 28. APRIL Lou Conter, 102. The last living survivor of the USS Arizona battleship that exploded and sank during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. April 1. John Sinclair, 82. A poet, music producer and counterculture figure whose lengthy prison sentence after a series of small-time pot busts inspired a John Lennon song and a star-studded 1971 concert to free him. April 2. O.J. Simpson, 76. The decorated football superstar and Hollywood actor who was acquitted of charges he killed his former wife and her friend but later found liable in a separate civil trial. April 10. Robert MacNeil, 93. He created the even-handed, no-frills PBS newscast “The MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour” in the 1970s and co-anchored the show with his late partner, Jim Lehrer, for two decades. April 12. Faith Ringgold, 93. An award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling. April 12. Carl Erskine, 97. He pitched two no-hitters as a mainstay on the Brooklyn Dodgers and was a 20-game winner in 1953 when he struck out a then-record 14 in the World Series. April 16. Roman Gabriel, 83. The first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL and the league MVP in 1969. April 20. MAY Dick Rutan, 85. He, along with copilot Jeana Yeager, completed one of the greatest milestones in aviation history: the first round-the-world flight with no stops or refueling. May 3. Pete McCloskey, 96. A pro-environment, anti-war California Republican who co-wrote the Endangered Species Act and co-founded Earth Day. May 8. Roger Corman, 98. The “King of the Bs” helped turn out such low-budget classics as “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Attack of the Crab Monsters” and gave many of Hollywood’s most famous actors and directors early breaks. May 9. Alice Munro, 92. The Nobel laureate was a Canadian literary giant who became one of the world’s most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history’s most honored short story writers. May 13. Dabney Coleman, 92. The mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in “9 to 5” and the nasty TV director in “Tootsie.” May 16. Morgan Spurlock, 53. The documentary filmmaker and Oscar nominee whose most famous works skewered America’s food industry. May 23. Complications of cancer. Bill Walton, 71. He starred for John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins before becoming a Hall of Fame center for his NBA career and one of the biggest stars in basketball broadcasting. May 27. JUNE Janis Paige, 101. A popular actor in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 90s. June 2. L ynn Conway, 86. A pioneer in the design of microchips that are at the heart of consumer electronics who overcame discrimination as a transgender person. June 9. Jerry West, 86. Selected to the Basketball Hall of Fame three times in a storied career as a player and executive, his silhouette is considered to be the basis of the NBA logo. June 12. Willie Mays, 93. The electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players. June 18. Donald Sutherland, 88. The Canadian actor whose wry, arresting screen presence spanned more than half a century of films from “M.A.S.H.” to “The Hunger Games.” June 20. Martin Mull, 80. His droll, esoteric comedy and acting made him a hip sensation in the 1970s and later a beloved guest star on sitcoms including “Roseanne” and “Arrested Development.” June 27. JULY Shelley Duvall, 75. The intrepid, Texas-born movie star whose wide-eyed, winsome presence was a mainstay in the films of Robert Altman and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” July 11. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, 96. The diminutive sex therapist became a pop icon, media star and best-selling author through her frank talk about once-taboo bedroom topics. July 12. Shannen Doherty, 53. The “Beverly Hills, 90210” star whose life and career were roiled by illness and tabloid stories. July 13. Richard Simmons, 76. He was television’s hyperactive court jester of physical fitness who built a mini-empire in his trademark tank tops and short shorts by urging the overweight to exercise and eat better. July 13. Bob Newhart, 94. The deadpan accountant-turned-comedian became one of the most popular TV stars of his time after striking gold with a classic comedy album. July 18. Lou Dobbs, 78. The conservative political pundit and veteran cable TV host was a founding anchor for CNN and later was a nightly presence on Fox Business Network for more than a decade. July 18. Francine Pascal, 92. A onetime soap opera writer whose “Sweet Valley High” novels and the ongoing adventures of twins Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield and other teens captivated millions of young readers. July 28. AUGUST Susan Wojcicki, 56. A pioneering tech executive who helped shape Google and YouTube. Aug. 9. Wallace “Wally” Amos, 88. The creator of the Famous Amos cookie empire went on to become a children’s literacy advocate. Aug. 13. Gena Rowlands, 94. She was hailed as a guiding light in independent cinema as a star in groundbreaking movies by her director husband, John Cassavetes. She later charmed audiences in her son’s tear-jerker “The Notebook.” Aug. 14. Phil Donahue, 88. His pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre. Aug. 18. Ruth Johnson Colvin, 107. She founded Literacy Volunteers of America, was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and received the nation’s highest civilian award: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Aug. 18. John Amos, 84. He starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots.” Aug. 21. SEPTEMBER James Darren, 88. A teen idol who helped ignite the 1960s surfing craze as a charismatic beach boy paired off with Sandra Dee in the hit film “Gidget.” Sept. 2. James Earl Jones, 93. He overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen, eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, “The Lion King” and Darth Vader. Sept. 9. Frankie Beverly, 77. With his band Maze, he inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and lasting anthems including “Before I Let Go.” Sept. 10. Tito Jackson, 70. One of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5. Sept. 15. Maggie Smith, 89. The masterful, scene-stealing actor who won an Oscar for the 1969 film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” and gained new fans in the 21st century as the dowager Countess of Grantham in “Downton Abbey” and Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter films. Sept. 27. Kris Kristofferson, 88. A Rhodes scholar with a deft writing style and rough charisma who became a country music superstar and an A-list Hollywood actor. Sept. 28. Pete Rose, 83. Baseball’s career hits leader and fallen idol who undermined his historic achievements and Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved and once embodied. Sept. 30. Dikembe Mutombo, 58. A basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game. Sept. 30. Brain cancer. OCTOBER Cissy Houston, 91. A two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist who sang with Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and other stars and knew triumph and heartbreak as the mother of singer Whitney Houston. Oct. 7. Ethel Kennedy, 96. The wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter. Oct. 10. Lilly Ledbetter, 86. A former Alabama factory manager whose lawsuit against her employer made her an icon of the equal pay movement and led to landmark wage discrimination legislation. Oct. 12. Liam Payne, 31. A former One Direction singer whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans. Oct. 16. Died after falling from a hotel balcony. Mitzi Gaynor, 93. The effervescent dancer and actor starred as Nellie Forbush in the 1958 film “South Pacific” and appeared in other musicals with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. Oct. 17. Phil Lesh, 84. A classically trained violinist and jazz trumpeter who found his true calling by reinventing the role of rock bass guitar as a founding member of the Grateful Dead. Oct. 25. Teri Garr, 79. The quirky comedy actor rose from background dancer in Elvis Presley movies to co-star in such favorites as “Young Frankenstein” and “Tootsie.” Oct. 29. Multiple sclerosis. NOVEMBER Quincy Jones, 91. The music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists. Nov. 3. Elwood Edwards, 74. He voiced America Online’s ever-present “You’ve got mail” greeting. Nov. 5. Tony Todd, 69. An actor known for his haunting portrayal of a killer in the horror film “Candyman” and for roles in many other films and television shows. Nov. 6. Bobby Allison, 86. He was founder of racing’s “Alabama Gang” and a NASCAR Hall of Famer. Nov. 9. Bela Karolyi, 82. The charismatic, if polarizing, gymnastics coach turned young women into champions and the United States into an international power in the sport. Nov. 15. Arthur Frommer, 95. His “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day” guidebooks revolutionized leisure travel by convincing average Americans to take budget vacations abroad. Nov. 18. Chuck Woolery, 83. The affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster. Nov. 23. DECEMBER George Joseph Kresge Jr., 89. He was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin. Dec. 10. Fred Lorenzen, 89. A NASCAR Hall of Famer and the 1965 Daytona 500 champion. Dec. 18. Rickey Henderson, 65. The baseball Hall of Famer was the brash speedster who shattered stolen base records and redefined baseball’s leadoff position. Dec. 20. Richard Parsons, 76. One of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup. Dec. 26. Get local news delivered to your inbox!BENSALEM, Pa., Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Law Offices of Howard G. Smith reminds investors that class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of shareholders of the following publicly-traded companies. Investors have until the deadlines listed below to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors suffering losses on their investments are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss their legal rights in these class actions at (215) 638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com . PACS Group, Inc. PACS Class Period: April 11, 2024 – November 5, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 13, 2025 The complaint alleges that in the Registration Statement and throughout the Class Period the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: (1) that the Company engaged in a "scheme" to submit false Medicare claims which "drove more than 100% of PACS' operating and net income from 2020 – 2023"; (2) that the Company engaged in a "scheme" to "bill thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies to Medicare"; (3) that the Company engaged in a scheme to falsify documentation related to licensure and staffing; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. Hasbro, Inc. HAS Class Period: February 7, 2022 – October 25, 2023 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 13, 2025 The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company had a significant buildup of inventory that it was struggling to manage and which far exceeded customer demand; and (2) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. ASML Holding N.V. ASML Class Period: January 24, 2024 – October 15, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 13, 2025 The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the issues being faced by suppliers, like ASML, in the semiconductor industry were much more severe than Defendants had indicated to investors; (2) the pace of recovery of sales in the semiconductor industry was much slower than Defendants had publicly acknowledged; (3) Defendants had created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to customer demand and anticipated growth, while also downplaying risk from macroeconomic and industry fluctuations, as well as stronger regulations restricting the export of semiconductor technology, including the products that ASML sells; and (4) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. Humacyte, Inc. HUMA Class Period: May 10, 2024 – October 17, 2024 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: January 17, 2025 The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: (1) that the Company's Durham, North Carolina facility failed to comply with good manufacturing practices, including quality assurance and microbial testing; (2) that the FDA's review of the BLA would be delayed while Humacyte remediated these deficiencies; and (3) that, as a result, there was a substantial risk to FDA approval of ATEV for vascular trauma; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. To be a member of these class actions, you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about these class actions, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020, by telephone at (215) 638-4847 or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com , or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com . This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Contacts Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Howard G. Smith, Esquire 215-638-4847 888-638-4847 howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com www.howardsmithlaw.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Making 2024 count economically After years of economic turmoil, Pakistan’s stabilisation efforts began yielding tangible results A man counts dollars and other currency notes. — AFP/File A pivotal year which may become a turning point for Pakistan’s economy, 2024 saw significant progress in achieving macroeconomic stabilisation. The country made strides in controlling inflation, reducing interest rates, and achieving a historic current account surplus. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); These achievements were bolstered by a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrangement that averted a financial crisis and stabilised the balance of payments. However, systemic and structural flaws – excessive taxation, high energy costs, mismanagement in key sectors like agriculture, poor governance of social services, and government-imposed restrictions on the digital economy – continued to undermine sustainable growth and investment. After years of economic turmoil, Pakistan’s stabilization efforts began yielding tangible results. Inflation, which had peaked at 29 per cent in FY 22-23 and 20 per cent in FY 23-24, dropped below 5.0 per cent by November 2024, surpassing the government’s target of 12 per cent. This decline provided significant relief for businesses and consumers. Complementing these improvements, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) implemented aggressive monetary easing, reducing the policy rate from 22 per cent to 13 per cent and lowering interest rates to 12 per cent. These measures are expected to save the government over Rs1.2 trillion in interest costs, easing fiscal pressures and creating space for development initiatives. A noteworthy achievement in 2024 was the government’s decision to avoid budgetary borrowing in the first half of the fiscal year, instead retiring Rs2.03 trillion in debt. This unprecedented step, supported by the SBP’s record profit of Rs3.42 trillion, eased fiscal pressures and unleashed excess liquidity into the banking system. This liquidity, combined with lower interest rates, has created an opportunity to channel funds into productive sectors such as industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. However, realising the potential of this progress depends on decisive government policies and actions to drive job creation and sustainable economic momentum. The current account surplus reached over $730 million in November, marking the fourth consecutive month of surpluses and the largest in nearly a decade. Projections for FY24-25 suggest the surplus could exceed $2 billion, fueled by rising remittances, improved exports, and a stable rupee. These developments spurred significant investment in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the KSE index surging by 80 per cent during the year and market capitalisation expanding substantially. Despite these positive developments, several systemic challenges persist. Excessive taxation remains a significant obstacle. Instead of broadening the tax base or improving compliance, the FY25 budget further increased tax rates, disproportionately burdening businesses and households. This approach discourages investment in the formal sector, stifles economic activity, and fails to address underlying inefficiencies in the revenue system. Similarly, Pakistan’s energy costs remain among the highest globally, making the cost of doing business prohibitively expensive. This undermines the competitiveness of Pakistani goods in international markets and deters foreign and domestic investment. Repeated coercive renegotiations of power purchase agreements have further eroded investor confidence, discouraging the long-term investments needed to address circular debt and energy insecurity. Agriculture, a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, also faced significant challenges. Early in 2024, increased wheat production was initially a positive development. However, poor procurement policies (more specifically federal and Punjab governments reluctance to purchase at price they had guaranteed to the farmer) led to a collapse in wheat prices, falling below Rs3000 per maund against the committed minimum price of Rs3900. This caused substantial losses for farmers, many of whom are now expected to shift to alternative crops. Such failures highlight the urgent need for better planning, fair procurement practices, and investments in agricultural technology to ensure food security and protect the livelihoods of rural communities. The digital economy, a vital driver of innovation and growth, was hindered by government-imposed restrictions on internet access and social media platforms. These measures disrupted entrepreneurial activity, discouraged investment, and weakened Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy. In an era defined by technological transformation, such actions have significantly limited the country’s potential to harness digital tools for economic resilience and innovation. Poor governance in social sectors like education, healthcare, and skill development further undermines Pakistan’s long-term growth potential. A lack of investment in these areas has left the country with a workforce ill-equipped to meet the demands of a globalised economy. Education, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, lags behind, restricting opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. In the same way, inadequate healthcare and insufficient vocational training programmes exacerbate inequality and limit productivity. Political instability and security challenges compound these economic issues. Post-election disputes, allegations of rigging, and controversial constitutional amendments eroded public trust in democratic institutions, creating an environment of uncertainty unattractive to investors. Security concerns, including insurgent violence and militant activities, further disrupt economic activity, particularly in vulnerable regions, and deter foreign direct investment. To transition from stabilisation to sustainable growth, Pakistan must implement bold and comprehensive reforms. Governance reform is crucial for improving efficiency, reducing bureaucracy, and fostering transparency. Streamlining government operations, cutting redundant departments, and ensuring accountability for outcomes will create a more business-friendly environment and restore investor confidence. The tax system must be overhauled to broaden the base, improve compliance, and reduce reliance on high tax rates. Expanding the tax net to include under-taxed sectors and addressing exemptions for influential groups can create a fairer and more effective revenue system. The energy sector requires immediate reform, including major privatisation of generation, transmission and distribution sub-sectors to reduce the role of the public sector, and enhance efficiency and productivity through competition. Transparent, long-term policies must replace ad-hoc measures, encouraging investments in renewable energy and domestic resources like coal. Modernising the power grid and privatising utilities to enhance competition will reduce costs and improve efficiency. Investing in human capital is essential. Prioritising education, vocational training and healthcare will equip Pakistan’s population with the skills needed to compete in a global economy. Special emphasis on STEM education can foster innovation and entrepreneurship, preparing the workforce for the digital transformation of industries. The digital economy offers immense potential for growth. Removing restrictions on internet access and social media platforms is a necessary first step. Beyond this, the government must invest in digital infrastructure and foster public-private partnerships to create a thriving ecosystem for tech-enabled entrepreneurship. Supporting startups with seed funding, incubators, and reduced regulatory hurdles will stimulate innovation and diversify the economy. A strategic focus on adopting artificial intelligence (AI) can further enhance productivity and competitiveness. Agricultural modernisation is also critical. Policies ensuring fair prices to the farmer mainly through market mechanisms, investing in technology, and improving supply chain logistics can stabilise the sector and maximise its potential. Addressing inefficiencies in agriculture will enhance food security and contribute to rural development. While the IMF programme has helped Pakistan in achieving much needed stabilisation, it is important to appreciate that such programmes address immediate crises but fail to tackle systemic issues in governance, taxation, energy policy, and human capital development. Without meaningful structural reforms, the progress achieved in 2024 risks being short-lived. By fostering innovation, investing in its people, and embracing structural reforms, Pakistan can transition from stabilisation to enduring growth. The choices made today will determine whether 2024 becomes a fleeting moment of relief or a foundation for long-term resilience. The stakes have never been higher. The writer is a former managing partner of a leading professional services firm and has done extensive work on governance in the public and private sectors. He tweets/posts @Asad_Ashah
Move over Mercedes: Chinese cars grab Mexican market share A Chinese-made Haval H6 SUV is seen on Reforma Avenue in Mexico City. — AFP/File MEXICO CITY: The growing popularity of Chinese sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks has shaken up Mexico’s luxury car market, hitting sales of traditionally dominant brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); According to industry experts, Mexicans are increasingly switching from traditionally dominant sedans to Chinese vehicles due to a combination of comfort, technology and price. It is no small feat in a country home to factories of foreign brands such as Audi and BMW, and where until a few years ago imported Chinese cars were stigmatised, as in other parts of the world.According to the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors (AMDA), the high-end segment of the market registered a sales drop of 8.1 per cent from January to November. Audi’s sales slumped by 21.9 per cent, while BMW, which includes the Mini brand, saw no growth in Latin America ́s second-largest economy, home to 129 million people.Mercedes-Benz suffered a 9.8 per cent decline, according to the state-run statistics institute INEGI. In contrast, Motornation, which sells the BAIC, JMC and Changan brands in Mexico, saw an 8.8 per cent increase in sales in the first 11 months of this year, while those of Jetour rose 131 per cent, it said. Chinese firms now control 9.3 per cent of the Mexican market, according to the AMDA.They have brought stiff competition to the pickup truck segment, with many of the features of high-end models offered by premium brands, the association ́s president Guillermo Rosales told AFP. Traditionally, the premium segment included sedan-type vehicles with luxury engines and top-of-the-range features.However, over the past decade consumer preferences have shifted toward utility vehicles such as pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs.Asian brands also benefited from an exemption from import tariffs on electric vehicles that was in effect in Mexico from 2020 until October 1. ‘Simple arithmetic’ As in other Latin American countries, Mexicans are becoming more used to seeing Chinese brands on the streets that were unknown to them until about five years ago.Miguel Reyes, a 71-year-old retiree, said that choosing a Chinese car over others was “simple arithmetic”. “I needed a car that had the necessary technology, such as steering assist, to make driving safer,” Reyes said.As well as the design and comfort, the “competitive” price was another factor, said Reyes, who paid around 550,000 pesos -- roughly $27,000 dollars. A similar model from a traditional brand would have cost him between $40,000 and $50,000, he said. According to Gerardo Gomez, an expert at the data and analytics company JD Power, there are around 30 Chinese brands in Mexico, with vehicles ranging from compacts to luxury cars.“They can offer you anything at any point in the range.” BYD offers an electric pickup truck for more than a million pesos ($50,000) but also a compact car for $17,000.Zeekr, a premium electric brand, sells luxury models for around $40,000. Trump tensions Chinese cars’ growing presence in Mexico, which is itself a major exporter of vehicles, comes at a time when China is a source of contention between the United States, Mexico and Canada, partners in a regional free trade agreement.
Earlier this year, the San Francisco Bay Ferry launched the MV Sea Change. Traveling to the city from the East Bay, it is the first zero-emission commercial ferryboat powered only by hydrogen fuel cells. It is a shining glimmer of hope on the horizon. Sea Change is the first ferry with drinkable emissions. It releases water vapor, which gets remineralized into drinking water passengers can drink onboard. This should be just the start for California’s transportation system. Our gasoline-based buses should be next in line for “green” possibilities. Starting when I was 12 years old, my parents would drop me off at the Larkspur ferry terminal or the San Rafael Transit Center to venture into San Francisco with my friends. I spent hours riding these nearly empty buses and ferries, allowing for beautiful sightseeing sprawled out over empty rows of seats. However, my short maritime and bus journeys weren’t just an exercise of independence. These underutilized vessels of Marin public transport emphasized a problem, a poorly executed means of transportation with worsening emissions. Studies show that, in many ways, Marin is the least accessible county among the five counties in the core Bay Area. With limited buses struggling to connect, only two lines servicing the Marin-to-San Francsico route and hard-to-access ferry terminals, many Marin residents feel forced to own personal vehicles. This exacerbates an increase in traffic congestion and carbon emissions. For many, gridlocked rush-hour commutes from San Francisco take nearly an hour when it should take just 20 minutes. Traffic jams are frequent with nearly empty carpool lanes, yet this is not due to some lack of environmental care. As one of the wealthiest counties, it is no surprise that Marin has one of the highest rates of electric vehicle ownership in the whole country. Our EVs comprise almost 6% of our registered cars. Each parking lot is flooded with an array of Teslas and Priuses. Marin County now has more electric vehicle chargers than gas stations. We pride ourselves on taking extra steps to be more environmentally conscious. However, our organic, locally sourced produce and compost bins aren’t enough to battle the gas-guzzling, inefficient public transport on the streets. Despite our high level of EVs reflecting our commitment to sustainability, our public transportation is behind. We prioritize investing in the latest Tesla models, yet Marin Transit has only six electric buses (according to last year’s “rollout” report). We could drastically reduce our carbon footprint by allocating some of our personal EV spending toward public transportation. Electrifying our buses and ferries will create a more sustainable system, lowering the carbon footprint per passenger by almost 50%. Sea Change demonstrates the potential to implement innovative green technology into California’s public infrastructure. Similarly, California’s high-speed rail project is designed to be environmentally sustainable, revolutionizing green transit innovation. We can’t keep making excuses. Our public transit system lags miles behind. While we have spearheaded the future of EV ownership, we have to broaden our activism to our busing system. The time has never been more pressing. We need to keep setting a precedent for the standard of land transportation. California isn’t just revolutionizing the convenience of electric personal vehicle ownership; it’s reinventing public transportation systems and inspiring cities across the country. I encourage everyone to reach out to Rep. Jared Huffman, our elected official in the House, and Amy Changchein, our deputy regional administrator for the Federal Transit Administration. Both are pushing for greener public transit in Marin. Show your support and let them know that our priority for eco-friendly transportation will help enact change. And, if you live in San Rafael, let your City Council representative know that you support Marin Transit’s plan for a new EV bus yard in the Canal neighborhood. We are fighting for change for our country and planet, so let’s get down to business in our cities, where it all starts. Let’s not let an eco-friendly ferry be the end of change. We can chart a new course. Liora Homa, who grew up in San Rafael, is a student at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.MHA promises 95 percent reservation in jobs for Ladakh, next meeting on January 15NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge won't be bothered if free agent Juan Soto gets a bigger deal from the New York Yankees than the captain's $360 million , nine-year contract. “It ain’t my money. I really don’t care as long as we get the best players, we get the most that we can, I’m happy with whatever,” Judge said Friday, a day after he was a unanimous winner of his second AL MVP award. “That's never been something on my mind about who gets paid the most.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
President-elect Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to let him negotiate a deal to save TikTok from an imminent US ban. In an filed to the court, Trump says he “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office,” and that he “alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform.” Last week, the Supreme Court that a bill passed by Congress banning TikTok on national security grounds violates the First Amendment. The bill gives wide latitude to the president to delay its enforcement if there’s progress being made towards a deal ensuring TikTok isn’t fully controlled by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. But the deadline for that determination is January 19th — one day before Trump is set to assume the presidency. In his Supreme Court filing, Trump asks for the bill’s January 19th deadline to be stayed, arguing that the deal he’d negotiate “would obviate the need for this Court to decide the historically challenging First Amendment question presented here on the current, highly expedited basis.” He argues that having over 14 million followers on TikTok, along with his ownership of Truth Social, gives him unique ability to “evaluate TikTok’s importance as a unique medium for freedom of expression, including core political speech.” He also cites Brazil’s temporary ban of Elon Musk’s X as an example of “the historic dangers presented” by banning TikTok. While Trump pushed for a TikTok ban during his first term, he changed his tune after his campaign successfully used the platform during the 2024 election. He recently at Mar-a-Lago and that “maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while.”