Voice For Peace

  In a bid to uphold the democratic process in Pakistan, the country's military leadership, during the 261st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), pledged full support to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. The decision was made against a backdrop of security concerns, as political actors warned of potential threats and escalating militancy, making the provision of military assistance imperative to maintain a conducive law and order situation during the elections. Security Challenges and Election Preparedness: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted the surge in militancy in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. With the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ending its truce with Islamabad, the number of militant attacks increased significantly from 380 in 2022 to 623 in 2023, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Stud

  Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with the economic consequences of decisions made in pursuit of financial stability. The recent revision by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of Pakistan's foreign loan requirements to $25 billion for the fiscal year, coupled with a lowered economic growth projection of 2%, reflects the challenges faced by the country. While the government's aim to secure dollars has implications for sovereignty, the IMF's influence has sparked debates on the impact on the lives of ordinary Pakistanis. Financial Landscape and IMF Conditions: The reduced foreign loan requirements, now at $25 billion, signify a $3.4 billion cut from previous estimates. In the pursuit of dollars, the government has already borrowed $6 billion in four months, expecting rollovers of $12.5 billion. However, challenges arise as the estimated available financing has been cut by $3.7 billion, highlighting difficulties in acquiring loans through Eurobonds a

Pakistan's economic landscape is ensnared in a complex web, with the acceptance of every International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition by corrupt rulers exacerbating the country's financial woes. Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar's recent statements underscore the fragility of economic stability, high external sector risks, and the imperative to increase domestic revenues and exports. It's crucial to approach economic analyses with sensitivity, acknowledging that interpretations of religious scriptures, such as the Quran, require a nuanced understanding. The mention of usury in the Quran is generally associated with the prohibition of interest, and the verse challenging usurers is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:279). This article critically examines the impact of corrupt governance, the stringent conditions of the ongoing IMF bailout package, and the broader implications for Pakistan's economic future while keeping in mind the ethical dimensions highlighted

In a significant development, Pakistan has set its sights on attracting a substantial investment of $70 billion, underpinned by foreign assurances and facilitated by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The Secretary of the SIFC apex committee, Jahanzeb Khan, recently addressed the media, shedding light on the intricacies of this ambitious endeavor. The $70 billion investment, while not a mere abstraction, is expected to encounter delays due to a confluence of geopolitical and commercial factors. Foreign Assurances and Investment Sources: Jahanzeb Khan emphasized that the $70 billion investment is not a mere pipe dream but is firmly grounded in assurances from other countries. The investment landscape envisages a significant contribution from private investors, complemented by foreign governments' participation through sovereign wealth funds. This nuanced approach seeks to create a diverse and robust investment portfolio, mitigating risks and fostering sustainable ec