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Friday, December 14, 2018

Global Warming and Pakistan



Global warming refers to constant increase in World's temperature. We have been witnessing a constant shift in world’s temperature from colder to warmer side. Year ago, scientists predicted global warming but it went unnoticed as it had not impacted our daily lives at then. Now, the global warming is not a threat of distant or near future, it is happening. The world’s temperature is relentlessly increasing. This disruption in temperature encompasses various other problems in the form of heat stroke, water shortages, poor agriculture growth and others.

As it is commonly said that if we want to remove the evil, we must remove it from its roots. The sources of global warming and the factors aiding it, are consolidating global warming and adding woes to our botched counter measures so far. The foremost cause is industrialization. In the current development projects, we have been witnessing countries rapidly establishing industrial zones; countries are vying to lead the world. In order to rule the world, it is a common mantra to secure your economy and follow the old mantra of 'money makes the mayor go.' It is also evident from the fact that the top two economics of the world i.e. the United States and China are also the top two largest contributors to global warming due to carbon omission from their industries.

The second major cause is deforestation. Trees inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. As oxygen is main constituent of life, the need for carbon dioxide to be inhaled by trees is equally important. Because this very gas affects the ozone layer thus letting harmful ultraviolet rays to enter the earth's crust, further worsening the global warming. Other factors include pollution created by vehicles.



Now the global warming has started affecting the daily functioning of common masses. We have seen scores of people dying due to heat stroke in Karachi. In addition to it, Pakistan is also facing an imminent issue of water shortage. This rise in temperature also leads to rise in water consumption. Wells are drying in Pakistan. As per the latest report, Pakistan will have no water by 2025. The increase in global warming and water consumption is tantamount to adding salt to the injuries.
Deforestation is also a major cause of global warming. At earlier times, it was considered feasible to cut down trees and install industries. This led to sweeping switches of forests to industrial zones. The aim was to uptick development, create employment, increase exports and earn revenue. But this short-sighted approach backfired today. But will we replace industrial zones by the forests again? The answer is off course a big no. The question is how to redress the deforestation that has taken place and how to stop the deforestation which in underway?

Pakistan is also the victim of global warming, as per the recent report, winter season is Pakistan has reduced to two months from four months. Also, as discussed earlier, Pakistan is facing water shortage and summer seasons consume more water than winters, this shows aforementioned issues are interlinked with global warming. Every country needs to have twenty five percent of its land covered with forest; whereas, only two percent of Pakistan’s land is covered with trees – a further dip from previously recorded 3.5 percent. Additionally, the population is also on the higher side and thirdly, Pakistan is considered one of the top five countries who is urbanizing rapidly. These all factors are interlinked in a way that when population is on the rise, urbanization becomes inevitable consequently leading to deforestation. Recently, the incumbent government has also vowed to plant 10 billion trees to counter global warming, we need desperate measures like this to counter in the desperate times.


When the global warming started staring, the international community came to its senses. In a bid to counter it, the 196-member has signed Paris agreement to curb deforestation, associate specific budget for global warming and in next couple of meetings; the Paris Agreement will also erect legal binding on its signatories.
Need to expound that as per the recent report, glaciers are also melting at the highest rate. According to geologists, with the current melting rate, glaciers have 100 years of life left in them. It is also of the grave concern that as no glacier can be interpreted as no life. As recently, Germany has banned the use of car with up to Euro-4 technology diesel engine and up to Euro-2 technology petrol engine and has also set September 2019 the deadline for Euro-4 technology engines in a bid to counter air-pollution. This move by Germany has received praised worldwide but will Germany’s move be enough? The need is to take the collective measures; the global warming is an international phenomenon and cannot be dealt by the individual efforts only.
I believe countries should invest some percentage of their annual budget towards measures countering global warming. Deforestation should be immediately banned. A bi-annual UN conferences and meetings should be held calling statesmen to apprise the world about the measures they have taken so far to counter the hovering threat and the progress made so far in comparison to previous year in particular. The UN should devise a legally binding agreement to ensure the countries are contributing their part. Besides, failing to make any substantial progress, the countries should be slapped with sanctions and non-cooperation measures. As a human being, it is incumbent upon us to leave a better place for the upcoming generations. As they are not responsible for the mess we are creating.
As Chinese Proverb says
"The best time was twenty years back; the next best time is today"

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Translation of Imran Khan Address to the Nation








Translated Version of Imran Khan Address to the Nation



Today, I am thankful to God Almighty, for providing me with an opportunity to fulfill the dream I saw for Pakistan 22 years back in 1996. My first phase was full of struggle and now the time has arrived to implement the ideology and manifesto which I always idealized. Let me make it clear why I joined politics 22 years back, I had everything, politics could not have given me more. I had enough to just sit back and enjoy my life. But I saw my country developing during my youth and then in front of my eyes, I saw its decline mainly due to poor governance and corruption. I always knew Pakistan possess enough potential. I always wanted Pakistan to become a country envisioned by my leader Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Coming to 2018 elections, I must say it was a historical elections and people have rendered sacrifices for this election. Terrorism was witnessed and I want to pay tribute to Baloch people who still came out to cast their vote despite terror threats. I have seen on TV screen how olds, disabled and overseas Pakistani came to cast their votes. It has helped to further strengthen our democracy. We can now see democratic process building. Despite all the problems like we witnessed the martyrdom of Ikram Gandapur and Haroon Bilour (candidates for the elections), in terror acts during the election campaign, but still the elections were held as scheduled. I also want to pay tribute to security forces because their personnel also embraced martyrdom. I also want to extend tribute to my party workers who campaigned at areas where we had life threats. Despite all these, we fought the elections and thanks to God Almighty, we got the mandate.

To be precise, let me tell you about Pakistan which I want to see. I drive my inspiration from Last Prophet Mohammad (Peace by Upon Him) who laid the foundation of Medina state. First time the world saw an establishment of welfare state. That state took the responsibility of its underprivileged class, widows, disabled and orphans. There was a time when our Caliph said that even if a dog dies hungry, I should be held responsible. I want to make Pakistan on these foundations. Unfortunately, the current state of Pakistan is opposite to it. There is a landlord like governance system in Pakistan. Currently, nearly half of the population lives below the poverty line, how can we term this state a state envisioned? I promise I will try to establish policies which will help our underprivileged segment of the society. Our policies will lift labors and farmers who work the whole year and still fail to feed their children. 45 percent of Pakistani children are suffering from stunting growth. Neither their height nor their brains grow, which means we are not giving 45 percent of the children the opportunities to come forward. As many as 25 million Pakistani children are out of the schools. There are countries whose population is even less than the number of Pakistani children who do not go to schools. Pakistan has the highest number where women die while giving birth because of lack of basic health facilities. We have the highest infertility rate due to water borne diseases because we have failed to provide them with clean drinking water. I will try to uplift this sector. Our policy will focus on the uplift of human development. A country cannot be recognized by the way its elite class lives but how its poor people lives. A country cannot flourish if it has an island of rich people and sea of poor people. We have an example of China; China has alleviated 700 million poor people within 30 years. World does not have such an example. We Muslims exemplify Medina state founded by Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace be Upon Him), the first welfare state ever established. It was a principled state in which everyone was equal in front of law, law had the supremacy, that state was based on humanity, justice. Wealth was equally distributed. He told us how to set a welfare state, and that state remained the best civilization for almost 700 years. God Willingly, I will set Pakistan on these principles.

At this occasion, I want to see Pakistani united. I have no issues from those who voted against us. And I have forgotten the way opposition had made personal attacks on me. I have put them behind me because it is not about my personal life; it is about my country Pakistan. Our cause is greater than my personal life. God Willingly, I will prove it that my government will not indulge itself into any kind of political victimization. We will establish the supremacy of law. Even if my party member is involved in wrong doing, he will be held accountable. Whosoever will go against the law of the country, we will take action against him. God willingly, our state institutions will be so strong that they will stop corruption. It will keep a check on government people. It will keep a check on Imran Khan and his ministers. Accountability will start from me, then my ministers and it will follow further.  The reason that corruption is plaguing Pakistan is because of dual law. One law is applicable to the powerful people and the other law is subjected to poor people. Only opposition faces accountability. We will set an example under which everyone will be held accountable. West is more advanced than us because their law does not discriminate. Their institutions and justice system are very strong. Our guiding principle is that we will establish institutions who will improve governance system of Pakistan. Countries will not invest if we do not have proper governance system.

Pakistan is facing the gravest challenge of economy. We have never witnessed such a massive fiscal deficit, trade deficit and loan burden. We have never witnessed such devaluation of Pakistani rupee against the dollar. It is because of our dysfunctional institutions. We will improve governance system and will create business environment. We have to improve cost of doing business as well as ease of doing business. I believe our biggest asset is our overseas Pakistanis. We will improve our governance and invite them to invest in Pakistan.  Overseas Pakistanis have not made an investment that they should have had. The reason is corruption has destroyed Pakistani institutions and corruption is deterrent for investment. People invest in Dubai and Malaysia but avoid investing in Pakistan.

The other major issue is of unemployment. We have world’s second youngest population. They need employment, if do not have foreign investment, how will we be able to provide them with an employment? Today I say on oath in front of Pakistani people that we will run Pakistan in an unprecedented manner. We will provide governance the likes of which has never be seen in Pakistan. It will start from us, we will bring ourselves under institutions and will adopt simplicity. Our rulers have always invested money on themselves and building huge mansions and enjoying foreign visits. Will people pay tax the way our ruling elite misuse it? Pakistan is on world’s top in giving charity and ranks lowest in giving tax. People do not pay tax because they know our ruling elite will misuse it, steal it and will use it on itself. I pledged in front of the people that I will protect people's money. We will reduce our expenses. I will feel ashamed to live in luxurious Prime Minister house, when half of Pakistan’s population lives under the poverty line. We will decide whether to use this Prime Minister House for educational purpose or any other. I will live in ministerial clave in a small place. We will open all the Governor Houses for public usage. We will convert the guest house of Nathlia Gali into hotel. So that we can use its income for public instead of living like a king on people's taxes. We will use all the restaurants located in hill resorts for commercial purpose so that the income generated from them should be invested on local people. I promise that I will change the trend of ruling class enjoying on people's money. It will start from me and my parliamentarians. I will inform the nation that only we have to fight this economic woes, no one from the outside will come for our help. We have to strengthen our institutions and reduce our expenses. We have to increase our income. We have to form policies with our business communities so that we can create wealth and eventually making Pakistan rich. It will help us to generate employment for your youth. God willingly, we will create a tax culture and people will give tax once they realized that tax is being spent on them and not subjected to embezzlement. We will strengthen NAB and restructure institutions like FBR. The entire government will help oppressed farmers to generate income. So that he can invest it on his land thus increasing the production. We will help small enterprises and will introduce new things in order to give employment to our youth. We will provide them institutions which can help them in skill development. Our money will be spent on human development.

Another issue facing Pakistan is of foreign policy. The country which needs stability and peace is Pakistan. We want better relations with our neighbors. We will further strengthen our ties with China. We must utilize CPEC and bring in investments. As I said before China has alleviated 700 million people within 30 years, we will send a team to China to learn what measures they took to alleviate their underprivileged segment. We will also learn how to tackle corruption; they have apprehended 400 ministers in 4 years. They have set an example that crime does not pay. Second country is Afghanistan; Afghan people have suffered most due to war on terror. Afghanistan need peace and the second country which wants peace in Afghanistan is Pakistan. If peace is established in Afghanistan, peace will be established in Pakistan too. Our government will try its best to bring peace in Afghanistan. I desire to establish such relations with Afghanistan where we have open borders, the way European Union has. As the United States is also involved in Afghanistan so I desire relations with the United States on mutually beneficial basis. Unfortunately, the Pakistan-US ties have always remained one-sided because the United States believes that it gives aid to Pakistan to fight US war. It has hampered Pakistan big time. We want a win-win and balanced relationship with the United States. God Willingly, we will try our best to establish balanced relationship. Iran is also our neighbor and we want to further improve our relations with Iran. Saudi Arabia is our friendly country and has always stood with Pakistan in every trying time. We will try to play a reconciliatory role in Middle East. We will try to unite Middle East. We will become a country who will address wars instead of taking sides in war. it has damaged Pakistan as well. Coming to India, I do feel hurt the way Indian media has portrayed me. I felt like as if I am villain of Bollywood movies. It felt like if Imran Khan comes to power, whatever is harmful for India will occur. I believe I am a Pakistani who has highest number of links in India. I have also visited the whole of India due to cricket. I am a Pakistani who believe that if Indo-Pak relations improve, it will be better for Sub-Continent. If we want to alleviate poverty from the sub-continent, we need to establish trade ties. The trade will help both the countries. Unfortunately, among other outstanding issues, the core issue is of Kashmir dispute. There is human rights violations ongoing in Kashmir from the last 30 years. When we allow army to enter the urban areas, we witness human rights violations and Kashmiri people have suffered due to this. Pakistani and Indian leadership should sit around the table and resolve this dispute. If we kept on playing the blame game, we will remain at square one. If Indian leadership is ready, we are also ready to improve our relations. If India will take one step forward, we will advance two steps. But we must move forward. Currently, there is one-sided relationship where Pakistan is being blamed, like if any act of terrorism occurs in any part of the world, Pakistan is blamed. improved Pak-India relations are better for the people of the sub-continent and we must resolve our core issues through dialogues.


In the end, I would like to pledge with Pakistanis that we can improve our governance system. We can also introduce a governance system which will improve the lifestyle of the people. A governance system which will provide an opportunity to the people to invest in Pakistan. I pledge that Imran Khan will adopt simplicity. I am also a simple citizen like you and if I have major responsibility, it does not mean that I start flying high. Whosoever comes to power in Pakistan, his lifestyle changes. We see ruling class enjoying their lives in huge mansion on people's money, but I pledged in front of the nation that you will witness a simplicity in Imran Khan. I made a promise to build a cancer hospital, you people gave me money and now two cancer hospitals are working in Pakistan where 70 percent people are getting free treatment. There is no example in the world where 70 percent of the cancer patient are getting free treatment. I promised to build a university for poor people where they will be able to attain international degree and today almost 90 percent of the students in NAMAL university are from poor class. I promise that I will create a Pakistan where the policy will be based on underprivileged class including women, minorities, domestic servants. We will protect their rights. I will stand with them.         

In the end, my last point is of rigging. Today political parties are complaining of rigging. Let me tell you that the incumbent election commission was formed by two main political parties i.e. Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz group not by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Even the caretaker setup was also unanimously formed. I am ready to open any constituency where you blame of rigging. During 2013 elections, every party claimed that the elections have been rigged. 400 petitions were filed against rigging. I asked to open four only from 400 petitions. Just to take a sample for 2013 elections. All the parties who are complaining of rigging now opposed me at then. None of them opened four constitutency. We fought our case in the courts and it took us 2 to 3 years to open those constituencies. Today I am ready to investigate any constituency where you blame of rigging. I believe it is the most transparent election ever held in Pakistan's history. I think Pakistani people have never participated in the elections the way they did this time. We will investigate election rigging along with opposition.

I want to thank every Pakistani and pray that God gives me courage to fulfill the promise I made with you. Long Live Pakistan.



PTI’s Bat Hits a Six, PMLN's Lion Moans, PPP's Arrow Hits Complacent Level in Pakistan Elections 2018






PTI’s Bat Hits a Six, PMLN's Lion Moans, PPP's Arrow Hits Complacent Level in Pakistan Elections 2018


On 25th July, 2018, Pakistanis went out to cast their votes. At a time when Pakistan was marred with various problems mainly economy, unemployment, terrorism and others. With broken promises and unchanged Pakistan's condition from the last time they voted, voters once again queued to express their opinion. As the polling started to conclude, Pakistan saw people voting for the change, a slogan raised by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf [PTI]. PTI came forward as victorious. With every updated result, PTI's victory became consolidated. When Election Commission released the final results, we saw PTI leading with 119 seat at the National Assembly, Shahbez Sharif led Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz group became second largest party with 64 seats and Bilawal Bhutto led Pakistan People's Party stood at third position with 45 seats. At this time when the article is being written, PTI and PMLN are vying for Punjab government with PTI winning 127 seats from Punjab Assembly whereas PMLN came victorious on 130 seats. However, the game is set on allies and independents. PMLN and PTI are putting utmost efforts to woo independents to form government in Punjab. In an unprecedented move, PTI has emerged as largest party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa again. It has never happened in the history when one party has ruled consecutively in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PPP will govern Sindh once agin. Balochistan Awami party has become the single largest party in Balochistan. PTI is also working to form a coalition government in Balochistan. The overall voter turnout was recorded as 55 percent.




The major aspect of 2018 elections is we saw bigwigs losing their seats even from their hometowns. Shahbaz Shairf contested from four constituencies and lost in three, Bilawal Bhutto lost from two constituencies including his hometown Lyari and won one seat. Similarly, Asfandyar Wali leader of Awami National Party, Fazal-ur-Rehman President of President of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Sirajul Haq Chairman of Jamat-e-Islami, Yousaf Raza Gillani former Prime Minister and his sons, ANP's Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Talal Chaudhary and Chaudhary Nisar have also lost their seats which sent shock waves to their supporters. This further stamps people voting for change. Voters preferred the other candidates this time.

Now PTI is all set to form the federal government. Prime Minister-to-be Imran Khan also addressed the nation which received praised worldwide. His tune, posture was very composed and polite. He tabled his vision in front of the nation and touched all the core issues facing Pakistan today. He also vowed to turn Prime Minister House into an educational institution and opening of Governor houses for commercial use, which received applause from all over Pakistan. It has further encouraged Pakistani and hopes are at their brink.



With various other challenges, the new government will be facing tough challenge of economy crisis, water shortage, unemployment and plagued foreign policy. With Asad Umer, the undisputed choice for the post of Finance Minister, has said all options are on the table for addressing economic crisis. Pakistan will likely go to China or IMF for loans to run the country's affairs as Pakistan does not have enough reserves with unrelenting ebb in foreign reserves.

As per the latest report, Pakistan will run short of water by 2025. Supreme Court has taken an initiative for the construction of Diamer Bhasha dam and Mohmand dam. Supreme Court has also appealed to public to contribute for these dams by donating through its given account. The construction of dams will help in reserving water and electricity generation.


As far as the foreign policy is concerned, Imran Khan has invited arch-rival India to come on the table and let's resolve all the outstanding issues through talks. He has also expressed a desire of opening borders with Afghanistan and establishing cordial relations with Iran. Imran Khan has said we will follow China's model for eliminating corruption. He further added that we will try to establish relations with the United States on mutual benefit basis. 

It should be remembered that PTI has been alleged of getting support from the establishment. Oppositions complain that level playing field has not been provided. However, European Union observers have termed elections free and fair. 

It is pertinent to mention here that Imran Khan contested elections for the first time in 1997, he did not even win a single seat. It also sets an example to never give up and keep struggling. Imran Khan, no doubt, started from the scratch. Now the stage is set for Imran Khan to take an oath as a Prime Minister and fulfill the promises he made with the public. People of Pakistan have given him the required mandate, now it is time for Imran Khan to return them by fulfilling the promises. Pakistanis are quiet hopeful regarding PTI's government, if PTI fails, people will become hopeless. Pakistan will further plunge in grave issues. People have tried all the major parties with voting in favor of PPP in 2008, PMLN in 2013 and now giving PTI a mandate in 2018. It is kind of now or never for Pakistan. Let's hope Imran Khan delivers and fulfills his promise.



Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Quetta blast leaves 31 people dead during polling -- Pakistan Elections 2018





With polling in Pakistan underway, NA - 260 constituency which lies in Quetta, Balochistan witnessed an untoward incident when a suicide bomber tried to enter the polling station at the midst of people casting their vote, he, however, was stopped by the police deployed there. Not left with any other option, he blew himself up outside the polling station killing 31 people including police and civilians, 30 others sustained injuries and 8 among the wounded are in critical situation. It is being said that the target of suicide bomber was police van. As a result the polling was halted which resumed later.

The responsibility for the blast has been claimed by Islamic State group via its news agency Amaq.

The blast occurred at the polling station which was declared as sensitive by security agencies. Pakistan army and police were deployed there to provide security and thwart any untoward incident. It is police which did not let suicide bomber enter the polling station and rendered their lives and averted what could have been a human catastrophe. The entire nation is saddened at this dreadful incidents and stands firm with its security agencies in these trying times.

It should be remembered that a blast in Mastung district, also in Balochistan, killed around 150 people including election candidate Siraj Raisani.  Pakistan elections and terrorism threats run parallel every time the elections are held.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi jailed for life in ephedrine case





In yet another fall of wicket for Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz group, Hanif Abbasi, PMLN candidate contesting election from constituency NA - 60, against the veteran Sheikh Rashid, has been handed life imprisonment with PKR 1 million fine, failing to pay the fine, Hanif Abbasi will have to spend two more years in prison. Consequently, disqualifying Hanif Abbasi from contesting the upcoming elections. 

The case hit the limelight in March 2011 when the then government intend to investigate the allocation of 9000 kg of ephedrine to pharmaceutical industries. Hanif Abbasi was charged with misusing 500 kg of controlled chemical ephedrine. However, the Anti-Narcotics court Rawalpindi adjudged Hanif Abbasi guilty and acquitted seven others co-accused.

Following conviction, Hanif Abbasi was escorted by ANF force, encircled by charged PMLN supporters, from the back gate of the courtroom to the armored vehicle and straight to Adiyala Jail, Rawalpindi. It came as a blow to already bedridden PMLN, which is marred with defectors, disgruntled party leaders, candidates denying party tickets, switching of loyalties, and on top the conviction against party leadership Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain Safdar, which landed them in jail.

Call it a naive measure, PMLN leadership did not even choose a back up candidate. Now the constituency falls vacant to Sheikh Rashid -- would have easily steered his way to National Assembly -- but Election Commission of Pakistan has suspended holding of election in NA-60.  

It is pertinent to mention here that the verdict was set to be announced in August but the change of date and that too three days before the election day has somewhat made the verdict controversial and suspicious. Therefore, PMLN leadership is terming the verdict as politically motivated.

Anyhow, there are reports that Hanif Abbasi will file appeal against the verdict. Only time will tell, how the absence of top political leadership will affect PMLN chances in upcoming general election which are on three days distance. 

Here is the link to complete report of ephedrine case.

https://bit.ly/2LbBqwB


Saturday, July 21, 2018

Challenges Facing Modern-day Europe



The world is divided into seven continents based on their physical geography. Europe is the third largest continent and covers around 2 percent of the Earth surface and has a total population of 741 million that is 15 percent of the World's population. Arctic Ocean lies at its north; the Atlantic Ocean rests at its west and Mediterranean Sea to its South. Europe was formed in 1949 and has 28 members.

As it says
A poor man runs for food, rich man runs to digest the food

Similarly, as every country is marred with various challenges, sometimes external and at times internal; likewise, Europe, considered as richest, peaceful and well developed continent, is also facing chilling challenges these days. The range of issues include both external as well as internal ones.

Following are the challenges facing modern-day Europe

BREXIT:

When the United Kingdom went for a referendum to either remain or exit EU bloc in 2016, the shocking result voted in leaving the bloc with 51.89 percent while the percentage for remaining in the bloc was put out as 48.11 percent. The referendum result sent shock waves not only in the United Kingdom but in the European Union as well. The fraction of difference in the referendum result also showed the grave split among Britons regarding Brexit. The then UK Prime Minister David Cameron also resigned as a result of shocking referendum results.

Following referendum, the United Kingdom went for divorce talks with European Union. Considered as the toughest talks of the history, number of back-to-back meetings are being held to negotiate on range of issues including customs, trade, future of British nationals in EU and European nationals in UK. EU will face economic woes when the United Kingdom will eventually leave the bloc.

Currently, the trade volume between UK and EU stands at 1196 billion Euros. In terms of subsidiaries, there are 1300 German subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and 25000 British companies with a branch in Germany which is employing 2.6 million workers. UK companies in Europe and European countries in UK will not enjoy this status after UK will officially exit the EU.

Secondly, UK is the second biggest economy of Europe. Brexit will also incur economic woes for EU, thus further weakening the euro and also giving extra power to Germany to control Europe. It should be remembered that Germany is the biggest EU economy.


Influx of Immigrants:

From 2015, Europe has been witnessing a huge migrant influx. Nearly 1.1 million migrants reached only in Germany in 2015. The main course for migrants to enter Europe is either through Mediterranean sea or Southeast Europe. These migrants include asylum seekers or economic migrants. Their countries of origin are Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. They seek asylum in order to flee persecution or human rights violations which are rampant in their origin countries.

It should be remembered here that Europe once struck a deal with Turkey to stop the migrant flux. Turkey lies in Eurasia, and Mediterranean sea flows between Turkey and Europe. Besides, as Turkey also demands European membership, Europe and Turkey struck a deal that Turkey would stop migrant flow into Europe and Europe will start deliberating Turkey's EU membership. As per the agreement, Turkey started impeding migrant flow to Europe. But Europe did not ponder giving Turkey its membership. Consequently, Turkey left impeding migrant movement. From Mediterranean Sea, migrants enter Greece, which is considered as weakest EU economy. Eventually, Greece called for help from its EU members to share the burden of migrants. Therefore, the migrants crisis started getting deeper and deeper.

The second route to Europe is from Libya. We have seen scores of migrants reaching European mainland in Italy on dinghies through Libya. Italy is staunch opponent of migrants. Italy also struck a deal with Libyan coast guard to halt the migrant flux. As a result, there had been a reduction in migrant flux but to a little extant. Still migrants are reaching through Libya to Italy. During this venture, it is estimated that thousand of migrants have also lost their lives. 

We have witnessed a deep rift among European leaders regarding the migrant flow. As few EU members heads are not ready to take in migrants. European largest economy is also facing rift among its leaders. Recently, German Chancellor Angela Merkel also lost her strength in the government due to her migration policy. Consequently, she had to form a fragile coalition government.

Point to ponder is, countries with most refugees are Turkey, Jordon and Pakistan. Jordon and Pakistan have timid economies and still they are regarded as countries with largest refugees. As far as Europe is considered, it is 28-member bloc with consolidated economies and still it does not want to take migrants. It also raises question over Europe's human rights policy. Europe is considered as a group of civilized nations whereas Pakistan, Jordon are third world countries. But in terms of hosting refugees, third world countries are behaving in more civilized manners. If possible, Europe must engage these migrants in more productive way and instead of turning them into beggars, devise ways for them to earn.

Terrorism:

One of the serious and toughest challenges facing modern world is of terrorism. Europe is no different to it as well. We have been witnessing a spate of terrorism in various parts of Europe. Terrorists have strike those areas as well which is reportedly said to have experienced first blast of its history.

The infamous one is of Paris attack in 2015; where, terrorists stormed the French capital with mass shooting and suicide bombings. As a result, 130 people were killed. The attack was the deadliest in the history of France after Second World War. The attack sent shock waves across whole Europe.

Berlin, Germany's capital, also witnessed a terrorist attack in 2016 when a truck was deliberately driven into the Christmas market and killed nearly 12 and 56 others sustained injuries.  

Brussels, Belgium and EU capital, also became a victim of recent terror attack in Europe. As per the reports, three coordinated suicide bombing hit Belgium, two at Brussels airport and one at metro station. As a result, over 300 people sustained injuries.

These aforementioned attacks shows the vulnerability of Europe to terror attacks. It is also the gravest challenge facing modern day Europe.


Uncertain Euro:

ECB's Draghi says euro strength is a source of uncertainty

The common currency has rallied 5 percent against the dollar in recent weeks, complicating the ECB’s path out of its massive stimulus program by threatening to curb a tepid recovery in euro zone inflation.

“The recent volatility in the exchange rate represents a source of uncertainty which requires monitoring with regard to its possible implications for the medium-term outlook for price stability,” Draghi told a news conference following the ECB’s regular policy meeting.

A stronger currency makes exports from the bloc dearer and imports cheaper, undoing some of the ECB’s multi-trillion euro efforts to stimulate price growth in the euro zone.

The rally in the euro EUR= against the dollar has been given fresh momentum this week by U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who welcomed a weakening of the greenback.

Draghi had said in a letter published on Wednesday that exchange rate shifts were a side effect, not the objective, of ECB policy. Reference: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ecb-policy-forex/ecbs-draghi-says-euro-strength-is-a-source-of-uncertainty-idUSKBN1FE1YX

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Saturday, July 14, 2018

Reham Khan book out in the market




                  Reham Khan book out in the market



The awaited, eye raising, controversial and a parental guidance needed Reham Khan tell-all book is out in the market. The 365-page book has been released in the United Kingdom in paperback and available on Amazon in its digital form. However, the book has not been released in South Asia yet. Albeit its leaked pdf versions are making rounds in Pakistan as well.

Reham Khan covers the live of her first marriage, her relationship with her children and most intriguing was her tale of 10-month old marriage with Imran Khan, incumbent chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and former World Cup winner Captain.

Rehman alleged Khan being an arrogant, obsessed with sex, drugs and a womanizer. She went on to claim that Khan admitted that he has five illegitimate sons, couple of them are Indians.

However, Pakistanis are perplexed regarding the authenticity of the book's content. How can they believe in what Rehman Khan saw in her 10-month marriage with Khan? How Reham Khan will prove if she is taken to the court by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership? It should be remembered that Wasim Akram, Reham's first husband Ijaz Rehman, businessman Zulfikar Bukhari and PTI International Media Coordinator Anila Khawaja have served legal notices to Reham Khan over the allegations she has labeled against them. Similarly why did not Jemima Khan, first wife of Imran Khan, mention any of this stuff?

Most importantly, it raises the eye regarding the date of its publication. Did it coincide or was it a deliberate attempt to publish it at the time when elections are in the offing? Is it an attempt to deteriorate Khan's image at a time when his arch-rival Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz group leadership is facing corruption scandals and disqualification on the grounds of Article 61 and 62, which postulates that Khan is all set to win the upcoming elections. Only time will tell how the book will dent PTI, if it did.