In a recent report, the World Bank has emphasized the need for Pakistan to improve its tax system and increase the tax base to boost revenue. The World Bank also suggested discouraging pollution to increase revenue. According to the report, Pakistan is among the countries facing severe water scarcity, with inadequate irrigation systems and ineffective agricultural practices leading to water wastage. However, the report highlights that modern irrigation projects in Punjab have saved 57% of water and increased crop yields by 14-31% through new agricultural projects.
The World Bank has also noted that groundwater is rapidly decreasing in South Asia, and that Pakistan is linking electricity and gas subsidies to the Benazir Income Support Program. The report states that subsidy reforms will reduce incorrect distribution, financial losses, and circular debt, while subsidies for fuel can be redirected to social protection programs.
To support small businesses affected by floods, the World Bank is establishing a Climate Risk Facility, while the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has been made more effective through digital systems. The report also notes that BISP provided assistance to over 20 million households during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that Pakistan and the Maldives offer self-registration facilities for aid.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s President Asif Zardari met with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting focused on expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Lieutenant General (Retired) Nazeer Ahmed stated that Pakistan’s debts can be settled through Karachi. The Federal Ministry of Health Services has issued a warning and advisory regarding the spread of the deadly Nipah virus from India.
In other news, the families of those killed in the Gul Plaza fire have demanded the return of their loved ones’ bodies. Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has stated that the issue of the Tora Bora victims is not a matter of political rhetoric, but rather requires an immediate solution.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz has warned against spreading unrest in the country, while Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yusuf has been questioned about the government’s domestic violence bill and child marriages.
Senior MQM leader Hyder Abbas Rizvi has accused the Sindh government of professional negligence. Senator Raja Nasir Abbas has stated that the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) has crushed the freedom of expression in Pakistan.
Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar has stated that the world acknowledges Pakistan’s achievements. A consignment of essential items was delivered to Ayesha Bhutto, wife of PTI chairman Imran Khan, in Adiala Jail.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has discovered its largest single recovery in its history. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has challenged the leadership of the MQM.
A rescue worker was accused of delaying his team’s arrival at the scene of the Gul Plaza fire by 40 minutes. The Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Northern Areas, Amir Muqam, has stated that the Kashmiri people are fighting for freedom, and that Pakistan stands with them on all forums.
The US has criticized the Indian government’s handling of the Kashmir issue. Meanwhile, a senior PTI leader has accused the NAB of targeting the party. In India, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, narrowly escaped death in a plane crash, with the pilot warning of a lack of visibility on the runway.
Finally, the Pakistani health ministry has issued a warning and advisory regarding the spread of the deadly Nipah virus from India. A large naval fleet is heading towards Iran, with the US President describing it as a powerful and determined force with a clear objective.
