Dar, Qatari minister discuss evolving regional situation, stress dialogue amid US-Iran tensions

Minister of state for foreign affairs appreciates Pakistan’s constructive role as Dar reaffirms commitment to peace Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar (L), Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi (R) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the regional situation with Qatar’s Minister of State for…

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Three killed in Wana Bazaar blast, including Ahmadzai Wazir chief

Initial investigations suggest vehicle was specifically targeted using explosive material A powerful explosion in Wana Bazaar, the main city and headquarters of Lower South Waziristan, killed three people, including the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe Chief Malik Tariq Khan, while two others sustained critical injuries. PHOTO: EXPRESS MIRANSHAH: A powerful explosion in Wana Bazaar, the main commercial…

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Budget: need for simplified taxation

ISLAMABAD: “At the beginning of a dynasty, taxation yields large revenue from small assessments. At the end, taxation yields small revenue from large assessments” – Ibn Khaldun. Ibn Khaldun wrote these lines centuries ago, long before the arrival of missions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), quarterly review meetings and “mini-budgets”. He nevertheless understood something…

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Motorways ban animal transport vehicles

RAWALPINDI: The National Highways and Motorway Police has imposed a ban on the entry of vehicles carrying animals on motorways during Eidul Azha. According to officials, overloaded, unfit and improperly loaded vehicles transporting animals often cause traffic accidents and congestion. Therefore, such vehicles will be diverted to alternative routes instead of being allowed on motorways….

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Tax design, not rates, is Pakistan’s real problem

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s tax debate often starts in the wrong place. We argue over rates, targets and quarterly shortfalls, but avoid the central problem: the design of the tax system itself. A tax regime that depends on a largely undocumented retail economy to collect revenue will keep producing distortion, leakage and resentment. That is exactly what…

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Pakistan pushes diplomacy amid renewed war fears

Washington places five conditions in response to Tehran’s proposal for negotiations ISLAMABAD: With the deadlock persisting and US President Donald Trump contemplating his next move, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday held important meetings in Tehran in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to salvage the deal and prevent renewed hostilities. Naqvi, who…

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Four invisible barriers to foreign investment

Poor systems, damaging narratives are hurting Pakistan’s image among foreign investors ISLAMABAD: A few days ago, President Zardari concluded his visit to China. His engagement indicates that both countries are venturing into new areas of cooperation, from security and the economy to social development, to build a community with a shared future. The signing of…

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UK police detail rally arrests

. LONDON: London police said Sunday officers arrested 20 people the previous day at a march organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and 12 people at a counter-demonstration fused with a pro-Palestinian protest. The city’s Metropolitan Police — which had already disclosed making 43 arrests Saturday after tens of thousands people attended the duelling events…

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