Pakistan

Last year brought both tough times and hopeful moments for Pakistan. The country faced big problems with money, politics, and safety in 2023. But even in these hard times, people showed strength and hope. 2023 was a year of stark contrasts for Pakistan. The echoes of economic turmoil, political unrest, and security challenges resonated deeply, yet glimmers of hope flickered through in acts of resilience, regional engagement, and sporting triumphs. Economic headwinds: Inflation soared, surpassing 20%, straining household budgets and dampening growth. The global food and energy crisis exacerbated existing fiscal woes, forcing the government to seek bailouts from international lenders. Despite IMF loans and austerity measures, economic recovery remained fragile. Political rollercoas...

In 2023, Pakistan truly emerged as a shining star in the global tourism scene. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) acknowledged its remarkable performance. They highlight a 92% recovery to pre-pandemic levels and a staggering 115% surge in foreign tourist arrivals. In the year 2023, Pakistan experienced a significant boost in the foreign tourism scene. It is witnessing a remarkable 2.15x increase, as announced by Caretaker Minister of State for Tourism, Wasi Shah. This surge in tourism contributed to the generation of $1.3 billion in foreign exchange revenue for the country. This impressive comeback is a testament to the country's efforts in promoting its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Wasi Shah shared this news in an exclusive interview wi...

A major technical fault at the Guddu power station caused widespread outages across three provinces in Pakistan, leaving millions without electricity. Officials are investigating the cause of the fault and working to restore power as soon as possible. On Sunday, the Guddu power house in Sindh again gained attention as a major power breakdown affected three provinces. However, this power facility, managed by the Power Division, halted operations when a 500-KV transmission line caught fire due to a technical fault. The consequences of this power generation stoppage had a domino effect on the national grid. It impacted Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab, leading to shutdowns in various areas. The major cities include Guddu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sohbatpur, and Dera Murad...

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar announced a complete ban on all New Year's Eve celebrations in Pakistan. This decision was made as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza. Moreover, the decision expresses the Pakistani government's deep sorrow and concern over the ongoing conflict. In a televised address on Thursday night, Pakistan's Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar announced a complete ban on all New Year's Eve celebrations across the country. The decision is a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. The poor people who have been affected by Israel's recent military actions since October 7th. However, Pakistan has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause and expressing solidarity with Gaza. Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the distres...

The Lahore smog, caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and burning of crops, has reached hazardous levels. The Lahore High Court has ordered the government to take immediate steps to curb pollution, but experts warn that the smog crisis is likely to continue for several weeks. The air quality in Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, has deteriorated sharply in recent days as winter sets in. The smog, caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and burning of crops, has reached hazardous levels. The Lahore High Court has ordered the government to take immediate steps to curb pollution, but experts warn that the smog crisis is likely to continue for several weeks. Causes of the Smog Crisis The main causes of the smog crisis...