Vol. 03 - Issue 01 ABC Certified www.melangemagazine.biz MélangeMélangeJune 2018

Portugal in Contemporary Settings

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa António Costa President of Portugal Prime Minister of Portugal

A COVETED COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF DUBAI

5AED 3ST0ARTING,0 PRICE0 0 ONWARDS

FEATURE & AMENITIES TYPES & PRICES STATE OF THE ART GYM PAYMENT PLAN ALL UNITS SPA OF APARTMENTS FREE WIFI TYPE PRICE (AED) Descri ption Milestone Percent value SWIMMING POOL 1st installment Immediate 9% STUDIO 700,000 SAUNA 2nd installment 2 months after 1st inst 5% 24 HOURS RECEPTION ONE BEDROOM 1,550 ,000 3rd installment On completion 90% AMPLE PARKING TWO BEDROOM 3,300,000 CHILLERFREE Editor-in-Chief Editor’s Note Amna Malik Board of Advisors Dr Ross Masood A Time to Collect Spiritual and Economic Rewards Dr Zafar Jaspal Kanwar Dilshad This month the Muslim World is observing strict 'Sawm' in Javaid Malik Nadeem Khan which after a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor and first prayer Fajr, Dr Tehseen Nisar Mazhar Barlas they do not touch even a drop of water or any food until the sun Angelika Heike Schweer Dr Ammarah Rabbani sets. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and the real test is to keep Editor working through the day at the same pace with full vigour. How Dr. Lubna Umar long is the fast? Pakistan, like Arab countries could have it for 15 Executive Editor Erum Akbar to 16 hours, while in New Zealand it could be for less at 10. But as Assistant Editors we go up to Europe or North America, daylight hours extend to Saima Zaman Zahid Rabbani 20 hours, while the sun never sets near the North Pole. To obviate extreme rigour, Muslims may simply stick to the sunset hours of Associate Editors Chaudhary Arslan Mecca. Mosques all over the world arrange for the entire Quran to N.H Naqvi be recited over thirty nights in prayers called Tarawih. All forms Staff Reporters Sarmad Ali Khan of good conduct are amply rewarded by the Almighty during this Zahid Haleem holy period and an injunction against aggression or spite is as Foreign Desk Leyla important as fasting. The month concludes with Eid ul Fitr which Grate is also called the Sweet Festival by many marked by adorning new Art Director Malik Nauman clothes and offering compulsory Eid prayers. It is then time to Director Marketing & Sales visit the elders of families and seek their blessings. Children enjoy Ameer Munawar Awan it more as they receive cash or gifts as Eidi. People meet their Director IT Fazal-e-Hadi relatives and friends, but such is the power of the day that they Consultant IT greet and hug even complete strangers. Team Mélange takes this Junaid Zia opportunity to extend warm felicitations to Muslims all over the Event Coordinator/Photographer Ramzan Mughal globe for a rewarding Ramadan and a blessed Eid ul Fitr. Shahid Qureshi (Raju) In this time of festivities Team Mélange proudly announces the launch of a brand new initiative, Mélange Trade & Investment Correspondents Forum, that is serving as a platform to connect dynamic markets Fazal -e- Hadi Lahore Imran Zakir Karachi of Pakistan with the rest of the world. It harbours a vision to link Naveed Zaman Peshawar Pakistan to the Gulf region, Middle East and broader global Israr Ahmed Khan United Kingdom Dr. Taheem Nisar Europe outreach not only economically but also diplomatically and Saleem Raza United States of America culturally. Through this forum, we aim to conduct and host some Subscription of Pakistan's most prestigious trade and investment events. To Yearly Rs. 5000/- (U.S. $ 80) give Pakistan a platform both regionally and globally to create new Per Copy Rs. 500/- (U.S. $ 8) Cheque or draft should be made in ventures, provide venues for trade, investment, entrepreneurship the name of “Mélange” and mailed and technology. The Forum is also joining forces with the Managing Director Mélange Plot No 38,Sector G-8-4, International Chamber of Commerce and various Private Islamabad Enterprise Platforms to enhance trade. It is through this initiative Contact: +92 3008581439 that Mélange design signed MoU's with LUX design Europe. Email: [email protected] [email protected] Mélange Business consultancy with the support of COPAIR www.melangemagazine.biz launched a sideline event during the web-summit in Lisbon. E- Note: women, another project of Pakistan signed an MoU with another All advertisements and articles are published in local brand to promote E-women design fashion products and good faith. The publishers are not responsible for any inconvenience or disappointment caused to. accessories in European market via Portugal. This surely calls for anyone due to any advertisement or article. us to celebrate both the arrival of Eid ul Fitr and Mélange Trade & Printed at Roohani Art Press, Investment Forum that brings us spiritual as well as economic Muhammadi Town, Sohan, Express Way,Islamabad Published by Amna Malik, 58,Shahra -e- Suharwardy, reward G-6/4, Islamabad Mélange contents June 2018

Editor’s Note 03 A Time to Collect Spiritual and Economic Rewards The Big Story 06 Porutgal in Contemporary Settings Spot Light 09 North & South Korea Starting Anew Editor’s Choice Can the Bulging Pakistani Youth Become 12 Agents of Change in 2018 Elections?

Article 14 Stimulating Geo-Strategic Environment 15 Eluding Dividends of Peace in Afghanistan 16 Man Hee Lee: A Man Striving for Global Peace 18 Army Chief Returns with Commitment of Strong Relations 19 New IB Chief to Modernize IB machinery Economy & Finance 20 The 2018-2019 Budget: Historic or not? 22 New Islamabad Airport 23 SAARC Formulating Strategies to Realize South Asia Vision 2030 24 UAE Markets Demand Pakistani Presence 25 Pakistan at Crossroads & CPEC 26 ABAD International Expo 2018 28 IAPEX Concludes on high note 29 ICCI Terms Budget 2018-19 as Balanced 30 The Emerging Super-Power Troika Mélange contents June 2018

Business Leader Paddy Cosgrave: Young Entrepreneur & Co-Founder of Web Summit 32 Life Style Monaco Royal Family: Albert-II Prince of Monaco & Chalene Wittstock 34 World Leader President of Malta: Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca 36 International Perspective Sustainable Development Goals of Education by UN a Global Documentation for Nations to pursue 38 In Focus ‘Cyber Security Girls Scout’ Matching Global Trends 40 Diplomatic Corner Look Africa Policy Initiative 42 Counter-Terrorism Strategy to Benefit Central Asia 43 Peace on the Korean Peninsula and President Moon Jae-in as the Peacemaker 44 Celebrating Europe Day 45 Phillippines National Day 46 100th Anniversary of Azerbaijan 47 Special Report Portugal: Rising to power in EU & Beyond 48 Tribute H.E. Dr Joao Paulo Marques Sabido Costa 52 Random Clicks 54 News Update 55 Travel Destination Portugal 59 Food Corner Moroccan Cuisine 60 Book Review Globalization and its Discontents 61 Tech All you Need to Know About Google Maps 62 Big Story

in

Amna Malik ortugal, an old nation-state with political frontiers unchanged since the late middle ages, was the “ideal-type” of the state envisioned by liberal nationalists. State and Pnation coincided in conditions of cultural homogeneity. There were no national or ethno-cultural minorities in Portugal, or Portuguese populations in neighboring countries; similarly, Portugal had no religious or ethno-linguistic minorities. Dialects were rare, found only in some areas near the Spanish border. Portugal had no territorial claims in Europe, thus the historical and cultural variables so markedly present in other cases were either negligible or absent in the case of Portugal. Imperial Background Portugal's imperial and colonial past, however, is vital in understanding the country's twentieth-century history. From the seventeenth century on, Portugal was both an imperial power and a political state in economic dependency of Britain. Tensions with Britain increased dramatically in the 1880s, Britain forced Portugal to abandon its project to unify Angola and Mozambique by threatening to invade the country. This episode gave rise to modern Portuguese nationalism; it provoked the first wave of anti- British sentiment, cementing what was to become the mainstay of Portuguese foreign policy until the 1970s: the defense of the colonial empire. Historically, Portugal emerged as a separate country during centuries of struggle with the Spanish provinces of León and Castile. Even hundreds of years after breaking away from Spain for the last time in 1640, fears remained in Portugal that it might one day be swallowed up by the larger and more powerful Spain, perhaps not militarily, but culturally and economically. That sentiment is expressed by the Portuguese proverb that "neither a good wind nor a good marriage ever come from Spain." Meanwhile, Portugal's long coast has given it an "Atlantic vocation" and propelled its historic ventures of global exploration. Geographical details Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, although it is only about one-sixth as large as its neighbor. Including the Azores and Madeira, the country has a total area of 92,080 square kilometers. Portugal lies on the westernmost promontory of continental Europe. The rugged Pyrenees Mountains separate Iberia from the heart of the European continent, and Portugal is even further distant across the vastness of Spain. Distance and

Mélange 06 June 2018 Big Story isolation have created in Portugal a sense that willing to dissolve parliament if the smooth programme” allowing for “a sustainable it is a part of Europe geographically but apart functioning of Portugal's parliament and reduction in deficits and debt”, for which he from it culturally, socially, economically, courts is threatened, and said that while anti- had to give the President written guarantees politically, and even psychologically. Even in austerity policies seemed “fair,” they would that his government would maintain stability the early 1990s, Lisbon was a two-to-three- need “balancing to avoid financial slippage.” and respect European rules. day drive from Paris. Prime Minister António Costa Costa, after taking office, ruled out Portugal is bounded on the west and The current Prime Minister of Portugal, leaving the euro or restructuring Portugal's south by the Atlantic Ocean and on the north António Costa took office on 26 November debt – but has had to negotiate risky and east by Spain. The country's shape is 2015 as the 13th Prime Minister of the concessions with the radical left that had roughly that of a rectangle, with its short sides Po r t u g u e s e Re p u b l i c. A s h e a d o f significant impact on his budget. Planned on the north and south and its long sides on government, the Prime Minister coordinates measures taken included raising minimum the east and west. Portugal's Atlantic coastline the actions of ministers, represents the wage, lifting a freeze on pensions and is 837 kilometers long; its northern and Government of Portugal to the other bodies cancelling pay cuts for civil servants. eastern frontiers with Spain are 336 and 839 of state, is accountable to Parliament and Achieving Happiness kilometers long, respectively. keeps the President informed. The Prime Surveys often show the Portuguese President of the Portuguese Minister can hold the role of head of rivaling Greeks and Bulgarians for the title of Republic government with the portfolio of one or Europe's gloomiest people. Yet since Prime Center-right politician Marcelo Rebelo de more ministries. Unlike other democracies, Minister António Costa took office, it feels Sousa, a former leader of Portugal's there is no limit to the number of terms a like the land of fado and saudade has been opposition Social Democrats, is serving as the person can serve as Prime Minister. popping happy pills. Costa has overseen a 20th and current President of Portugal since Portuguese Prime Minister António return to robust economic growth after a 9 March 2016. The charismatic 69-year-old Costa's appointment comes after his alliance decade of recession and stagnation. The law professor became a household name for with Communist, Green and Left Bloc parties budget deficit is the lowest since democracy his thoughtful but entertaining political toppled an 11-day-old conservative minority was restored in 1974. Unemployment stands punditry in the 2000s, earning him the in single figures for the affectionate nickname “Professor Marcelo.” first time since the He took 52 percent of the votes with 99 eurozone debt crisis percent of ballots counted, storming to engulfed the country in victory in the first round. De Sousa had 2010. Tourism and consistently led in the polls in the run-up to exports are booming. the election. His victory follows the surprise T h e E u r o p e a n for mation of a left-wing coalition Commission finally government after a general election in which removed Portugal from the old center-right government lost its its excessive deficit majority in parliament. naughty list, where Portugal's outgoing president Anibal Lisbon had lingered Cavaco Silva had a turbulent relationship with since 2009. the new government, led by the Socialist Adding to the party leader Antonio Costa and propped up by the a t m o s p h e r e , t h i s Communist, Left Bloc and Green parties. government in a dramatic parliamentary vote football-obsessed country was crowned Silva initially urged Costa to support a center- – the shortest administration in Portuguese European champion for the first time; right administration in return for policy trade- history. Portugal's political saga slowly crooned its way to victory in the Eurovision offs, and subsequently resisted swearing in unfolded as the country recovered from a Song Contest after 49 years of failure, and got Costa until he provided guarantees that his €78bn bailout in 2011, with Costa seeking to its man placed at the head of the United government would not breach EU rules. But allay fears over his vow to “turn the page on Nations. The latest Eurobarometer poll had De Sousa has pledged to fulfill his role in a austerity”. The centre-right bloc of the 66 percent of Portuguese expressing neutral manner, supporting Costa's outgoing conservative prime minister, Pedro satisfaction with the life they lead, double the government and serving as a “referee” Passos Coelho won the most seats in elections rate four years before. In fact it is amazing that between war ring parties. “Without but lost the absolute majority it had enjoyed columnist Miguel Esteves Cardoso wrote in renouncing my ideas, I'll try not to since 2011. By teaming up the leftist parties the daily Público newspaper that “All this discriminate,” he claimed. “I won't create any managed to assemble a slim parliamentary good news is starting to make me feel ill,” and problem, any instability, any criticism of majority that allowed them to vote out Passos that “We weren't built to handle so much government action.” Voters hope his tenure Coelho's government. The leftist alliance – happiness.” Costa along with Finance will bring stability back to the country's the first since the birth of democratic Minister Mário Centeno insist they will political scene. Portugal four decades ago – seemed continue the balancing act. “We have to In common with many European inconceivable as the parties struggled to work continue to be extremely responsible, like countries, Portugal's presidency is largely a out their difficulties, with the President finally we've been up until now,” Centeno said in ceremonial position. But the incumbent can naming Costa as premier. response to calls for a spending spree. “If we dissolve parliament, call elections, appoint Costa, the former mayor of Lisbon, had resist certain temptations that are being prime ministers and send legislation to the insisted his government would meet spread around, we'll end this parliament with constitutional court for vetting. That means, international commitments on its budget and all our economic indicators exceeding however conciliatory his tone, De Sousa debts, a year and a half after it exited its expectations,” Centeno said in a social media could be an important check on the power of bailout programme. He claimed that his exchange with voters. He did throw a bone to the government. He claimed that he would be government would r un “a socialist the left in the shape of tax cuts for low-

Mélange 07 June 2018 Big Story income workers. The government is maintain its public deficit around the EU of soaring exports. The most notable signs of confident that, despite the grumbling, the far average. a moderation came from a slower pace of left is unlikely to provoke a crisis. The Minister of Economy, António Pires expansion in industrial output in the first two Despite the spate of good news, the de Lima displayed his proactive attitude by months of the year compared to the final government knows Portugal's economy stating that Portugal has technically emerged quarter of 2018, along with a discernible fall remains fragile and vulnerable to external from recession, but they must continue to be in retail sales growth in February. Survey- shocks. With that Centeno hopes to persuade very persistent so this recovery can be based data reinforced the view of a cooling the three main international rating agencies to consolidated. He also added that the trend; economic sentiment continued to slide lift their assessment of Portuguese bonds Portuguese economy is experiencing a throughout the first quarter. Nonetheless, the turning point, and the data confirms that. economy remains resilient, alongside a Portugal continues to grow and expand record-low budget deficit. Finance Minister mainly due to their improved international Mário Centeno presented a 2018–2022 trade contacts. It is also home to a number of program aimed at fiscal stability, projecting a notable leading companies with worldwide budget surplus in 2020 that if achieved would reputations, such as Grupo Portucel end 25 years of uninterrupted deficits. Soporcel, a major world player in the According to studies, economic growth is international paper market; Sonae Indústria, projected to remain above 2% in 2018 and the largest producer of wood-based panels in 2019, driven by both domestic demand and the world; Corticeira Amorim, the world exports. Consumption growth will remain leader in cork production; and Conservas solid in response to further declines in the Ramirez, the oldest operational canned fish unemployment rate and stronger wage producer. growth. Investment will be supported by a above “junk” level, easing borrowing costs Other main industries contributing to the pick-up in major export market growth and and giving the government more financial economy, include oil refineries, cement increased public investment. Increased wiggle room. exports will be matched by higher imports as a It's not just the Portuguese who are happy. result of the pick-up in domestic demand, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble leaving the current account balance relatively — who barely a year ago warned that the unchanged. The stance of fiscal policy is Socialists' fiscal laxity was pushing Portugal projected to be mildly expansionary in 2017 toward a new international bailout — now and 2018. Any further fiscal expansion should hails Lisbon's progress and dubs Mario be avoided given the need to reduce public Centeno, the Minister of Finance of Portugal, debt, but there is scope to make fiscal policy the “Cristiano Ronaldo” of EU finance more growth-friendly by adjusting the ministers. Praise from the eurozone's fiscal- composition of spending and taxes. hawk-in-chief had fueled speculation that Productivity-enhancing reforms that ease Centeno was in line to replace Dutchman entry barriers to professional services would Jeroen Dijsselbloem as president of the reinforce the strength of the recovery. The Eurogroup of finance ministers, and finally, production, plastic products, textiles, private sector, especially corporations, on December 4, 2017 Mario Centeno was construction, steel, footwear, leather, wine remains heavily indebted despite having elected as new president of the Eurogroup. production and of course tourism. The deleveraged over the past four years. This Costa, however is optimistic, and says the tourism industry is becoming increasingly adds to the vulnerability of the banking country can handle more good news. “There important to the Portuguese economy are those who say we've had too much good especially in the Algarve. A large part of the news,” Costa said while addressing a party national income is generated by tourism rally. “Unfortunately, the country has been which is also a valuable source of foreign through such bad times that we need a lot of currency. Although a substantial amount of good news before the country can regain its Portugal is dedicated to agriculture, exports in composure and confidence.” farming do not make up the majority of the Economic Situation economy as they once did. The country has Portugal's financial system is well now become more focused on commerce and managed, competitive and healthy and since the service sector, which includes public its membership of the European Union in service, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, 1 9 8 6 . A c c o r d i n g t o t h e G l o b a l banking and finance. The Portuguese Competitiveness Report for 2013-2014, government has put a lot of effort into raising published by the World Economic Forum, the standard of living and according to the system which continues to suffer from weak Portugal was placed 51st on the economic 2014 index of Numbeo, the world's largest profitability and non-performing loans. index. However, the financial crisis of 2008 database of countries worldwide, Portugal Po l i c y m e a s u r e s t h a t s u p p o r t t h e does continue to affect the Portuguese was placed in the top 25 in terms of quality of development of distressed debt markets economy and cause a wide range of domestic life ahead of countries like Spain, Italy, Hong would reduce financial vulnerabilities, problems that are specifically related to the Kong and China. support long-term growth and bolster fiscal levels of public deficit as well as the excessive Data for the first quarter signals that stability debt levels. Nonetheless, the government economic growth, while still strong, likely Author is the President, Center of Pakistan and faces tough choices in regard to its attempts to moderated slightly from last year's rate; in International Relations (COPAIR) and Editor-in-Chief stimulate the economy while it also seeks to 2017, it shot up to a 17-year high on the back of ‘Mélange int’l Magazine’ and ‘ The Asian Telegraph’

Mélange 08 June 2018 Spot Light North & South Korea Starting Anew

c o u n t r i e s s h o w a divergen ce from previous attempts as t h e y h a v e a g r e e d u p o n m a n y contro versial issues. Both countries w a n t Dr. Lubna Umar to decide their future without the Unite d States or China imposing it on them. The display of a new friendship between the leaders of North The problem is that the two super and South Korea is being taken with mixed feelings by the world. powers would have to participate in a n y The coming together of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and peace negotiation between North a n d South Korean President Moon Jae-In on Friday towards the South, and oversee a complicated a n d l o n g handshake of peace was viewed all over the globe. Both men came process that could end up with a U.S. withdrawal from the and crossed the raised slab that demarcated the border where North Korean Peninsula. While many American presidents have Korea began from where the floor looks sandy, while South Korea expressed a desire to bring home the 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in from where the floor was covered with gravel. South Korea, for Trump it may be politically difficult to accept a The reason why people harbor suspicions is that this is leader like Kim. certainly not the first time that an attempt at peace has been tried In terms of humanitarian issues, both nations agreed in the region. Several attempts have been made that were stalled that families that were separated by the Korean War should due to the long standing differences between both nations that be reunified. When the Korean War broke out, tens of are not only divided on t h e b a s i s o f thousands of North Koreans fled to the ideology, but due to their economic South, and left family members in s t a n d i n g a n d international North Korea. The issue of family relations and leanings. E a c h s i d e reunification has lingered since the wants to reunify, but the North 1953 Korean War Armistice w a n t s a u n i t e d c o m A g r e e m e n t that ended the munist while the fighting but n o t t h e w a r . South wants a free Several family c a p i t a l i s t reunification governm events h a v e ent. occurred i n T h e the past years. c u r r e n t In order to a t t e m p t promote balanced at peace economic growth betwee and co-prosperity n the of the Koreans, t w o there's a strong need to adopt practical steps t o w a r d s t h e connections and modernization o f t h e r a i l w a y s and roads o n t h e

Mélange 09 June 2018 Spot Light e a s t e r n one history South t r a n s p o r t a t i o n and North Korea c o r r i d o r . T h i s will be reunited as represents good will one country, thus on both sides to enjoying everlasting p r o m o t e j o i n t p e a c e a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r e prosperity". p r o j e c t s f o r President Moon e c o n o m i c p r a i s e d t h e development. “ p r e c i o u s A l s o , b o t h a g r e e m e n t a n d South and North declared a “new era Korea agreed to of peace”, pledging completely cease all “there will be no hostile acts against more war on the each other in every Korean peninsula.” domain, including In the actual land, air and sea. declaration the two The South Koreans would want the North to refrain from missile leaders vow “that they will not use any form of force against each and nuclear tests, which Kim has already suspended i.e., a complete other” and agree to strictly abide by the agreement. The South and denuclearization, assuring a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. South the North have also agreed to “gradually realise arms reduction and North Korea confirmed the common goal of realizing, when their military tension is removed and trust is practically through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free Korean established." The two sides also agreed to set up a liaison office, Peninsula. continue future talks and reintroduce the long-stalled reunions of With these key agendas being on the table, there is great hope families separated by the division of the two Koreas. that things may be taking a positive turn for the Koreans, both After announcing their declaration, Kim and Mr Moon joined South and North. Despite the fact that analysts are terming them as their wives, Ri Sol-ju and Kim Jung-sook for a banquet. They also non-beneficiaries of a unification, but at the end of the day, it is the were happy that the summit was a success. Korean nation at large that stand to benefit from a permanent truce. In coming days both Kim and Moon will seek meetings with the Hailing a “new era of peace”, North Korea leader Kim Jong-un United States and possibly China - both of them parties to the a n d S o u t h K o r e a n ceasefire. This will be President Moon Jae-in, “As I stand here today I can see that South and North Koreans done with a view to sealed their talks with a are the same people, they cannot be separated. We are declare an end to the war joint declaration, and a a n d e s t a b l i s h i n g a bear hug, reaffirming their compatriots... We should not be confronting each other, we are the per manent and solid commitment to complete same people and should live in unity. I hope we will be able to live peace regime. Moon denuclearisation of the very peacefully in the future, as soon as possible.” would visit Pyongyang in Korean Peninsula. the fall, and both sides will The historic summit also agreed to push for three or four-way have regular meetings and direct telephone conversations. talks involving the US and China to replace the Korean armistice This truce will be augmented further with a reunion of families with a peace treaty. In his first ever speech to the world, standing left divided when the Korean War ended, one of the most emotive outside the Peace House on the demilitarised border zone, Kim issues for the people of the two countries. World leaders reacted Jong-un first thanked Mr Moon and the South Korean people for positively to the summit, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and their warm welcome. It took a long time for the two Koreas to come Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calling it "good news". Donald together and to hold hands and we have long waited for this Trump also reacted positively to the meeting, saying: "After a moment to happen, all of us,” he said. furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic “As I stand here today I can see that South and North Koreans meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good are the same people, they cannot be separated. We are compatriots things are happening, but only time will tell." We should not be confronting each other, we are the same people Way Forward and should live in unity. I hope we will be able to live very peacefully Both leader's interests are broadly aligned. They want to claim in the future, as soon as possible.” the summit as a success and both sides know the real goal is an He pledged his support for “permanent peace”, adding “we will agreement between the US and the North. Seoul has also suggested adopt the Panmunjom declarations while the whole world is it could try to replace the current armistice agreement with a formal watching us. I believe the declaration…will never let us repeat our peace treaty, but it wants the North to agree to denuclearise. past mistakes.” Kim expressed hope that one day, South and North Analysts claim for Moon, the summit is valuable because it makes it Korean citizens would be able to use the same road that he had to harder for the United States or North Korea to escalate tensions reach the summit. He also said: and gives him a lever to push both countries toward Moon's “Panmunjom is a symbol of pain and suffering and division but ultimate goal: a comprehensive US-North Korea deal. For Kim, it's it will turn into a symbol of peace. Using one language, one culture, a way of increasing his options, putting pressure on the United

Mélange 10 June 2018 Spot Light States to deal with him on his terms, and convincing the world he is acting in good faith so that the blame for any future setbacks will be on the United States and not North Korea. Kim will also likely be looking for relief from the sanctions currently imposed on his country. North Korea will be focusing on repairing diplomatic ties and figuring out how they can repair their economy, and Moon also wants to look at restarting Inter-Korea economic cooperation. Stating a commitment to a permanent peace treaty to end the Korean War is a feature of previous inter-Korean summit declarations. But in this case, the call has added impetus, as a peace treaty might be the only way forward in an expanded round of engagement that included the United States. If North Korea refused to relinquish its nuclear weapons, and there is little evidence to suggest otherwise, there is no o t h e r g o a l t o w a r d w h i c h negotiations between the three parties could focus. In Article 3.1, negotiations, which acted on behalf of the United Nations forces. the two Koreas have reaffirmed their non-aggression pact from the South Korea will need to be included as a sovereign signatory to a 1992 Agreement on Reconciliation, Non-Aggression, and formal treaty to end the Korean War. Most media attention has Exchanges and Cooperation. While the non-aggression clause has focused on Article 3.4, which calls for “complete denuclearisation” been standard fare in joint declarations since that time, this clause and “a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula”. This is in addition to the call has added resonance in the context of the threats of war emanating in Article 1.1 for both parties to work together on implementing the from the Trump administration over the past year. Article 3.2 2005 Joint Statement on denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula discusses phased disarmament. However, this relates to and the 13 February Agreement of 2007. conventional forces mobilised against each other, and not to nuclear However, this clause does not mean North Korea has weapons, with the added caveat that other confidence-building committed to denuclearisation as that concept is understood by the measures have been implemented and that “military tensions” (read Trump administration (CVID, or “complete, verifiable, irreversible “the US threat”) have been alleviated. denuclearisation”). The North Korean interpretation of a nuclear- Like most of the clauses in the Panmunjom Declaration, the free Korea includes the full nuclear weapons relinquishment of the veiled reference to the United States is a good example of the United States as well – something that is obviously not going to fly in Washington. According to Article 3.1, the two Koreas have In stating that “South and North Korea shared the view that the reaffirmed their non-aggression pact from the 1992 measures being initiated by North Korea are very meaningful and crucial for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula,”. There is Agreement on Reconciliation, Non-Aggression, and little evidence in the Panmunjom Declaration that the South Exchanges and Cooperation. While the non-aggression Koreans have attempted to test the waters for an aggressive clause has been standard fare in joint declarations American negotiating agenda at the upcoming Trump-Kim since that time, this clause has added resonance in the summit. There was no statement on specifics like a nuclear weapons freeze or missile testing moratorium. Instead, there seems to be context of the threats of war emanating from the Trump more evidence here of an attempt to firewall the Korean Peninsula administration over the past year. against an overly aggressive Trump gambit. A US-DPRK summit based solely around the US-CVID agenda is not the best solution negotiated compromise and coded language of the final text. for a problem in this context, as there are no points of convergence Article 3.3 talks to the larger great power context by calling for the between Washington and Pyongyang. A negotiating agenda that participation of the original signatories of the Korean War includes a pathway to a formal treaty to end the Korean War has a armistice in negotiating a peace treaty. That objective is complicated more realistic chance of progress by the Republic of Korea not being a signatory to the armistice agreement. The author is the Editor of ‘Mélange’ and ‘ The Asian Telegraph’ & The South was represented by the United States in those Research Associate Center of Pakistan & International Relations

Mélange 11 June 2018 Editor’s Choice Can the Bulging Pakistani Youth Become Agents of Change in 2018 elections? thful voting bloc holds the key to define and determine their right to be governed democratically in Election-2018. Since Pakistan is a democratic state, where every citizen has a right to education, to a reasonable standard of living, and in Saima Zaman choosing and influencing the political leadership, the youth too must be entitled to an equal right to political participation. This is the way It's the election year in Pakistan and everyone is ready to stretch forward for the development of the country. But currently, their their democratic muscle and cast their votes in the General voice is largely unrepresented in the political system. Since the Elections 2018. In every democratic country, an election year tends breakout of recent political upheavals in Pakistan, youth has been to be the busiest year for political parties. And of course, this holds active, predominantly through political movements, rather than true for Pakistan as well. The people who will elect the 2018 engaging with or working as part of political parties. assemblies will be It is said, and rightly different from those This youth bulge presents an so, that politics is the who chose the ones that name of possibilities. In will go out of business unprecedented, but time-bound, his last speech, former by the end of May. For window of opportunity to Pakistan Prime Minister of the first time in the United Kingdom, Mr. countr y's electoral in the shape of a 'demographic David Cameron said history, the coming that by politics you can e l e c t i o n s w i l l b e dividend', which may not arise achieve a lot of things; d o m i n a t e d b y t h e one of them is public aspirations of the very again for several generations. service. There must be a young in the country. Between 20 and 22 million young people will fair electoral system in place if a real change through a ballot is have the right to cast their vote for the very first time. They would desired. Had the slogans of Nigel Farage and Trump been have reached the voting age since the elections of 2013. According 'politically correct' they would never have won elections. The to the Election commission of Pakistan, in 2013 out of the 84 slogans of both were quite unconventional. million total registered voters 16.2 million (20 percent) were in the In Pakistan, some 15,000 youngsters turn 18 each day and will be a g e bracket of 18-25 and another 23.8 million (28 eligible to vote in this year's election. A much-delayed p e r cent) under 35. After the revision of Electoral decline in fertility levels has resulted in Pakistan Rolls in 2017, the total number of voters in becoming the second youngest country in Pakistan has jumped to 97 million. The South Asia, with nea plausible assumption is that the over rly two-thirds of whelming majority of new i t s 2 0 7 . 8 voters is the young m i l l i o n population. population T h i s u n d e r t h e you a g e

Mélange 12 June 2018 Editor’s Choice of 30. This youth bulge presents an the ability of women to participate unprecedented, but time-bound, meaningfully in politics at different window of opportunity to Pakistan in levels, as voters, members of political the shape of a 'demographic dividend', parties and as public representatives. which may not arise again for several Political parties should play a strong generations. On the one hand, it means a role in mobilizing and facilitating rise in the proportion of working age women voters, including support for population and entry of a large number CNIC registration. Special attention of youth into labour market. If these should be given by political parties to do new entrants to the labour market can be these in remote and vulnerable absorbed into productive activities, it communities, and also in FATA with will boost the income per capita and reference to integration of FATA. result in a demographic dividend. On Democracies across the world have the other hand, if these entrants can't struggled to ensure equal participation find decent work opportunities, then the of women, although the success rate has youth bulge is likely to become a understandably not been uniformed. demographic time bomb. For Pakistan Pakistan may not be the world's to harness the demographic dividend, it largest democracy, but is certainly the is essential to invest significantly more in world's bravest. In October 2017, human capital and job creation. In this Pakistan enacted the Elections Act to regard, the government should end disenfranchisement of women. prioritize improving access to quality Although it is a constitutional right, education and creation of productive millions of women have been de facto employment opportunities. barred from voting through agreements The National Assembly of Pakistan among political parties, local elders, and has a total of 342 members, including 60 powerful figures, using outdated seats reserved for women, as per Article 51. Although Pakistan fairs customs as an excuse. While the robust female turnout in the Upper much better than the composition of quite a few parliaments Dir by-election could generate greater voting by women there and around the world, the apathy towards encouraging women to run elsewhere in the future, the Pakistan government needs to do much for general seats as well as an opposition to even encouraging more to ensure that women can participate on an equal basis in the participation in voting remains surprising for a country that gave the electoral process. Muslim world its first woman prime minister. The Election In Pakistan, youth accounts for the majority of the population Commission of Pakistan (ECP) also has formed a working group to and their role is very important to bring out political, social or suggest ways and means to enhance participation of women and economic change in the country. Same can be said for the women of Physically challenged people in electoral processes. Pakistan. Women's equal participation in politics is their basic right. They Manifestos are meant to provide a roadmap highlighting the constitute nearly half of the total population of the country. Their unique vision of different political parties for tackling major contribution through their triple roles of productive, reproductive challenges facing particular countries. Political manifestos can thus and community management is vital to the development of the provide a tangible means for voters to assess and reward political economy and society. Their active participation in the decision parties on the basis of their performance, which is vital for countries like our own where democratic governance is still a fragile and In Pakistan, youth accounts evolving phenomenon. For a low-income country like Pakistan, the f o r t h e m a j o r i t y o f t h e role of political parties and their manifestos becomes even more important because of the nature of state-citizen interaction, and the population and their role is general constraints of the electorate. Women Parliamentarians have stressed for inclusive and gender sensitized election manifestoes for very important to bring out Elections 2018. political, social or economic Over the past decade, the gradual development of a national media market has reconfigured the scope of election campaigns. change in the country. One outcome of this reconfiguration is that while constituency- specific factors, candidate selection, and micro-realities are of great making processes, determining how resources are to be used and in importance, the core campaign is one based on messaging that setting national priorities will not only improve the lot of women, it works nationwide. People of Pakistan have shown great resilience to will also deepen democracy and strengthen the process of sustain their democracy and they genuinely expect that it must development in the country. The foregoing discussion clearly deliver good governance. The people who will elect the 2018 indicates that women's political participation is not solely dependent assemblies will be different from those who chose the ones that will on women's own capabilities and capacities. The larger context of go out of business by the end of May. different power relationships, such as: public and private patriarchy, Writer is the Assistant Editor ‘Mélange int’l Magazine’, male domination of political parties, the masculine nature of the ‘The Asian Telegraph’ & Project Coordinator (COPAIR); a degree holder in State, imperfect political processes and religious extremism all affect communication & media sciences.

Mélange 13 June 2018 Article Stimulating geo-strategic environment The mantras of 'do-more', unsubstantial accusations, and above all political intimidations have frustrated Pakistanis. Eventually, Pakistani ruling elite pronounced 'no-more'. Indeed, Washington was not prepared for such a diplomatic snub. The threatening Dr Zafar N Jaspal approach of the Americans towards Pakistan was manifested in President Trump's repulsive tweet on January 1, 2018, National Security Strategy released on December 18, 2017 and his new plan HANGING regional and global politico-economic for South Asia and Afghanistan announced on August 21, 2017. The circumstances and emerging security concerns have been American ruling elite's frustrated cum bullish attitude pushed reshaping the relationship between/among nations. The Islamabad closer to Moscow and Beijing. Creplica of Cold War lingo is indicating the revival of strategic The majority of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) competition between the Russian Federation and United States. 'early harvest' (2015-2019) projects are already completed. The Both nations have begun adding new versions of intercontinental remaining early harvest projects will be completed by 2019. The ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear weapons in their arsenals. The completion of these projects adds approximately 7000 MW revival of great power competition, definitely, necessitates electricity to national grid and also improves the road network. The realignment in the regional and international strategic environment. development and operationalization of Gwadar port foster Indeed, chalking out a realistic strategy in such a stimulating optimism about the economic prosperity of the country. Conversely, geostrategic environment is a Herculean task. it alarms the strategic competitor of Pakistan and China. They are The United States is confronting competitors at the global afraid of China possibly using Gwadar in future as a strategic naval political landscape. Therefore, President Donald Trump announced base in a critical sea fare lane in the Gulf. New Delhi is employing that his National Security Strategy hybrid warfare tactics to obstruct “is a strategy of principled realism the CPEC. The shift in Americans that is guided by outcomes, not strategic outlook turns Islamabad ideology.” The realist equates the towards Moscow for diplomatic international politics with support at the international Hobbesian world order in which forums and military hardware sovereign states compete for imports. Russians facilitated a d v a n t a g e a n d m i l i t a r i l y Pakistan in securing the full advantageous nations coerce the m e m b e r s h i p o f S h a n g h a i smaller/depended partners for Cooperation Organization. maximizing their gains. The Pakistani defense planners are procurement of modernized c o n t e m p l a t i n g t o i m p o r t high-tech military hardware, helicopters, armored vehicles, therefore, is inevitable to pursue objectives in the competitive drones, radar systems, and ships designed for military use from geopolitical affairs. This trend in the global strategic environment is Russia. obliging security conscious nations to advance their military arsenals. On April 24, 2018, Colonel General Oleg Salyukov, Commander Consequently, all nuclear weapon states have been modernizing their Russian Federation Ground Forces informed Army Chief General nuclear weapon arsenals. The recurrence of Balance of Power at the Qamar Javed Bajwa at Kremlin Palace: “Pakistan is a geo- global strategic landscape is posing a challenge to the existing power strategically important country and Russia is keen to expand its structure. It is exposing United States 'sole supper power' role to existing bilateral military to military cooperation.” The latter also structure and administer a 'new world order'. The ascendency of praised Moscow's “positive role” in resolving “complex situations in China and assertive Russian policies oblige Washington to constitute the region”. Precisely, Islamabad and Moscow are recalibrating their new alliances such as US-Japan-India; adopt Asia Pivot strategy; and military, diplomatic and economic ties against the backdrop of endorse Indo-Pacific strategy. The new strategic alignment of realignments. Washington is in the strategic advantage of India. Conversely, it is The Americans new strategic alignment brought a shift in the detrimental for the strategic partnership of United States and South Asian archrivals foreign and strategic policies. Both Islamabad Pakistan. It's because Americans are uncomfortable over Pakistan's and New Delhi are realigning themselves. Pakistan is drifting determination to resist the Indians domination. gradually towards China and Russia, while India is cementing its Since the end of Cold War, Islamabad has been facing immense strategic partnership with the United States. Simultaneously, both challenges in its dealings with Washington. Though Pakistan was states have been advancing their conventional and nuclear weapons. declared a major non-NATO ally in the war on terrorism in the In a nutshell, for sake of sovereign defense in current stimulating aftermath of 9/11, yet Islamabad and Washington have been unable strategic environment Pakistan needs to guard and advance its well- to formulate identical regional and global outlook during the last developed nuclear and missile capabilities decade. The Indo-US strategic partnership and the Americans The writer is Associate Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, incapacity to accomplish their desired objectives in Afghanistan Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad & Member Advisory Board at ‘Mélange int’l undermine Pak-US strategic partnership in the recent years. Magazine’ and Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR)

Mélange 14 June 2018 Article

NSA Term Afghan Peace as a Profitable Investment Plan and India. He said peaceful and stable Afghanistan is in favor of the region. Role of China is of great importance amid environment of mistrust. China will soon become an economic common denominator in the region and China's investment in the region would in turn bring more prosperity once peace prevails. Chaudhary Arslan Imtiaz Gul Senior Analyst on the occasion said until we engage Pakistan and Afghanistan share not only a linked past but also a with Afghanistan out of the present obsolete Planning Commission future which has economic potential to connect to markets of Regime and create a whole-of-government approach through single- Europe, Africa and rest of Asia. Both have the potential to become window joint civil-military mechanism, dividends of peace will keep trade and economic hubs of the world, said Lieutenant General eluding us. The civil and military bureaucracy shall have to prioritize (retired) Nasser Khan Janjua, National Security Advisor. He said economic and human development as the means to survival as self- nobody has ever invested in peace in the region and that Pakistan will respecting nation instead of always looking beyond borders for help support any effort of peace process, which would be Afghan lead and sustenance. and Afghan owned. Peace is a dividend for both Afghanistan and He said there is Pakistan, the region and the world. The two countries being an a need for smart economic hub will multiply the economies of the world, he added. solutions to deal National Security Advisor said this while speaking at a special w i t h seminar titled “Peace- a dividend for development and stability in Afghanistan to Afghanistan”, organized by Sustainable Development Policy b r i n g a b o u t Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with the National Security Division p e a c e a n d of Pakistan at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS). stability in the Speaking at the occasion, Lieutenant General (retired) Nasser region. Khan Janjua said Afghanistan is the heart of the Asian region and if Ambassado there is peace in the heart only then there would be prosperity and r ( r e t i r e d ) stability in the region. “Unfortunately, children of Afghanistan have Rustam Shah Mohmand, Former Pakistan Ambassador to seen nothing but war since 1979, whereas Pakistan, after Afghanistan said, unwillingness of US to clearly tell its objectives Afghanistan, is the most affected country hit by instability and in Afghanistan, lack of interest and commitment of incumbent insurgencies”, government to peace initiatives (status quo) and inability of he added. He Afghan Taliban to become a political force are the three major said the people obstacles to peace in Afghanistan. He said no country would gain o f P a k i s t a n from the instability in Afghanistan; and no country would suffer if wanted to see there is stability in the region. As long as there is presence of the Afghanistan as US army, there cannot be peace in Afghanistan, he added. He p e a c e f u l , further opined that there should be a broad based multiethnic prosperous and government in Afghanistan, including Taliban, which is the only stable country. sure guaranty for peace and stability there. Pakistan must include Nasser said this in to its foreign policy formulation. China's role as mediator CPEC is only must be permanently supported and proposed by Islamabad, he h a l f o f t h e added. dream of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Afghanistan is Syed Iftikhar Hussain Babar, Secretary National Security next half of the dream by connecting whole central Asia and Division, said to bring peace in Afghanistan is of paramount Europe. He said Pakistan is the only country that can multiply the importance and priority of Pakistan's foreign policy. Seventeen regional economies; and Pakistan needs to work beyond CPEC and years of war in Afghanistan caused a loss of billions of dollars to connect the whole world. Pakistan has successfully fought the economy of Pakistan. He said Afghan led and Afghan owned insurgencies and militancy through Zarb-e-Azb and there is dire peace process is Pakistan's priority and that overlapping regional need to consolidate on this success, he added. connectivity cannot be achieved and be successful without peace Speaking earlier, Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director in Afghanistan SDPI, said CPEC would remain a mere road and rail link unless there The writer is Associate Editor of ‘Mélange’ Magazine & The Asian is peace on the borders especially on the borders with Afghanistan Telegraph & Degree Holder in Communication & Media Study

Mélange 15 June 2018 Article Born in 1931 from a rural farming region, Man Hee Lee was given Man Hee Lee: his name, meaning complete light, by his grandfather. Man Hee Lee is a living witness to many of the historical events that occurred in Korea. He is also a man of merit as he fought in the frontline of A Man battle during the Korean War. In 2014, Lee was appointed the World's first Romani (Gypsies) people's ambassador at the Romani Assembly. His appointment was Striving for made possible by the previous world peace agreement signing between Mr. Lee and the Romani King, Dorin Cioabă. More than 150 Romani representatives, from over 40 countries, present at the Global National Assembly unanimously consented to Mr. Lee. In addition, he visited many places around the globe and proclaimed the cessation of wars and world peace. He received signed peace treaties from former and current presidents, chief justices, Peace university chancellors, various organization leaders, and various religious leaders. Lee also made known through national broadcasting stations and other media outlets. He once said, “I advocated achieving peace and cessation of war and leaving it as a legacy to the future generations. I witnessed Erum Akbar the world that has become anew. It was outstanding this time. Politicians, A person is taking the world by storm after ministers, educational professionals, proclaiming “The Declaration of Peace and Cessation religious leaders and anyone else that of War” for the first time in history on March 14, I met even took the initiative in saying 2016. He is none other than Mr Man Hee Lee, the they would help (the work of peace) Chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, at the risk of their own lives”. Restoration of Light (HWPL), the world's largest peace NGO. Chairman Lee, who started his peace To h i s a d m i r e r s h e i s a n work in May 2013 by proclaiming the “The inspirational peacemaker. In his Declaration of World Peace”, which is a platform native South Korea he can be found known for peace practices around the globe. Peace speaking in front of vast stadium activist Man Hee Lee's journey from the trenches of the crowds at rallies complete with Korean War to the halls of world power centres has been s t u n n i n g , c a r e f u l l y nothing less than intriguing. The 88-year-old, who is the o r c h e s t r a t e d founder and spiritual leader of a movement working displays. towards achieving a peaceful reunification of O n c e the two Koreas, has fascinated and dis inspired many who have met him. Chairman, Man Hee Lee of HWPL h a s g o n e b e yo n d n a t i o n a l boundaries, race and religions. He did the work of proclaiming to the West what has been fulfilled in the East. Man Hee Lee is the descendant of But how we act and what we say is always guided by our thoughts and feelings, and that is the one area of the world that we each have the most influence over, the most responsibility for. It matters because we have an opportunity to break the cycles of violence, fear and hatred- to help one another to wake up.

a Korean royal family of the Joseon Dynasty, a house with 500 years of history.

Mélange 16 June 2018 Article

cussing about his experience in Korean War he revealed, “I fought as strong alliance of religions are the two main solutions to bring about a frontline combatant. Words cannot describe the horrors of war. peace. To accomplish such initiatives, HWPL invited and appointed Bullets poured down like rain. Sounds of fighter jets and bombs experts in international law as the HWPL International Law Peace shook your heart. Only youths could have put up with that. After the Committee at the 1st Annual Commemoration of World Alliance war, half of the population was gone. In some villages, just a few of Religions' Peace (WARP) Summit. survived. There were many students among the soldiers. Those In March 2018, HWPL, hosted the event with UN DPI and UN young students died at the frontline. Some people blamed the ECOSOC, for strengthening the solidarity of peace through a government because young people went to war and those in comprehensive cooperation of all sectors of society, as well as to authority did not. So many young people perished during the establish legal binding international law necessary for peace Korean War without getting the opportunity to blossom. How fair building. At the occasion Mr. Man Hee Lee, Chairman of HWPL was that? We suffered much during the Japanese colonial period. said, every individual in the global society is responsible for Not long after we gained our independence, we declared war against constructing global peace. He further said, “Rather than taking each other. It could not be helped back then, no matter how much peace for granted, we are the ones to put an end to war to protect you cried”. humanity and our globe, and leave peace as a legacy for future As a young man in the 1950s, Chairman Lee volunteered in the generations”. Under the current global environment shaded by Korean War, a war that completely divided one people into two. The long-term violence around the world including terrorism and views of his comrades dying right by him affected him interethnic conflicts, the international society is seeking conflict tremendously and taught him the disaster that a war is capable of resolution through a long-term approach to peace and stability. creating. This experience influenced him to start this peace Every time we turn on the news we see violence, suffering and movement to end all wars. Although some wars are caused by injustice happening on our planet. Sometimes we are silent; political difference while others are caused due to various reasons. sometimes we speak out and take action. This is why the Chairman proposes few solutions. The enactment But how we act and what we say is always guided by our thoughts of an international law and the unification of all religion under one and feelings, and that - our own state of mind - is the one area of the creator was a lifelong dedication of Chairman Lee that finally world that we each have the most influence over, the most blossomed at this era and the world hopes to see many other peace responsibility for. It matters because we have an opportunity to movements under the visions of HWPL and Chairman Lee to break the cycles of violence, fear and hatred- to help one another to happen in various places of the world. wake up. By keeping our hearts and minds open we model how not HWPL has been doing the work of peace with definite solutions to walk blindly down paths that lead towards only more hate and that can put an end to all wars around the world and leave a legacy of revenge and this is what Man Hee Lee delivers and convey to the world peace to the future generations. Having the enactment of the world International Convention on the Renunciation and Cessation of Author is an Executive Editor of Mélange int’l Magazine and Secretary War and International Armed Conflicts and networking to build a Information Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR)

Mélange 17 June 2018 Article From Russia with Love Army Chief Returns with Commitment of Strong Relations Oxus River, Pakistan would need it to avoid meddling in Pakistan. The two nations have additionally built up a superior comprehension of post war Afghanistan and Russian initiative has been frequently facilitating Pakistani and Afghan pioneers in Moscow for Afghan Sarmad Ali Khan compromise. As wanted by both Russia and Pakistan, a post struggle Afghanistan should help in building spans between Eurasian states akistan and Russia reaffirmed their sense of duty regarding and turn into a harbinger of peace for the entire region. heightened two-sided military collaboration amid gatherings Interestingly, Russia has upheld Pakistan in real global between the best military and security administration of the discussions and exchanges, incorporating those held in India. Ptwo nations. General Bajwa's recent visit to Moscow came in the President Putin additionally helped Pakistan when a Russia based midst of important and landmark changes in international relations. Baloch protester pioneer Mr Jumman Khan Marri joined the Throughout the visit, General Bajwa met Colonel General Oleg standard and denounced RAW sponsored terrorism in Balochistan. Salyukov, Commander Russian Federation Ground Forces at The most recent advancements recommend that the Kremlin Palace. The set out to extend existing reciprocal military commitment is good to go and as a result be strengthened. As per a collaboration was communicated when Chief of the Army Staff Russian source, an intense program has been produced during the (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa opened his visit to Moscow with a current year. The rapprochement between the past erstwhile cold gathering with Commander war foes was driven by Russian Russian Federation Ground worries about instability in Forces Col Gen Oleg Salyukov Afghanistan. Moscow believes the soon after National Security presence of US and NATO Adviser retired Lt Gen Nasser powers in Afghanistan neglected Janjua led delegation talked about to reestablish solidity in the nation. key security issues with Secretary General Bajwa adulated of the Russian Security Council Russia's "positive role" in settling Nikolay Patrushev. "complex circumstances in the It was Gen Bajwa's first visit to region". The armed force head, as Russia. His predecessor Gen per ISPR, told the Russian Ground Raheel Sharif had visited Russia in Forces leader that Pakistan would 2015. The military contacts keep on playing its part to "repel between the two nations that clashes from the region and look began in 2007 have reinforced for approaches which bring local military participation as observed merging into play as opposed to from the joint drills of ground troops and the naval forces. divergences" The army chief's trip was preceded by the visit of During the meeting regional security and bilateral relations National Security Adviser retired Lt Gen Nasser Janjua to Russia. His between Pakistan and Russia were discussed. In his gathering with meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev the COAS, Russian Ground Forces Commander-in-Chief Colonel brought about an understanding that the security collaboration General Bajwa was accorded a guard-of-honour upon his arrival at the Kremlin Palace. The Pakistani army chief met Russian Ground Forces Commander at the royal residence. General Oleg Salyukov said his nation was occupied with growing between the two nations required a lift. the current military collaboration with Pakistan. General Bajwa, as The press service of the Russian Security Council reported that well, communicated Pakistan's want to upgrade reciprocal military in their meeting, “issues of bilateral military cooperation in commitment with Russia. The two countries had in February agreed information security and countering international terrorism were to set up a military cooperation commission for promoting military studied.” General Bajwa said that the state was keen on advancing in cooperation. Both sides had signed a defence cooperation agreement promoting the relations between armies of Pakistan and Russia. in November 2014 and later inked military-technical cooperation The Russian leader asserted: "We need to advance barrier ties accord, which allows arms trade between the two countries and with Pakistan". The Russian authority paid tribute to Pakistan Army's cooperation in weapon development, in October 2015. Russian and part in the War on Terror and said that Pakistan was an essential Pakistani interests have merged on numerous issues and nation in the area from a vital perspective advancements. Peace in Afghanistan and phantom of ascent of ISIS, which debilitates both Pakistan and Russia, has united the two The writer is Staff Reporter & Content Writer in ‘Mélange’ Magazine & nations, while Russia might want to contain the ISIS well far from the ‘ The Asian Telegraph’ (COPAIR)

Mélange 18 June 2018 Article New IB chief to modernize IB machinery Intelligence bureau overview Formed August 17, 1947; 70 years ago Headquarters Islamabad, Pakistan Amna Malik Jurisdiction Government of Pakistan Motto Defence of Pakistan Dr Muhammad Suleman Khan, a thorough professional, an Intelligence executive Dr Suleman Khan Director-General outstanding officer, having astounding successes, completely dedicated and with no political alignment is the new Director Personnel Office (CCPO) Peshawar, Deputy Inspector General General of Intelligence Bureau (IB). Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan (DIG) Mardan and Hazara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The new Abbasi has finally appointed him as Director General (DG) of the Director General also served in Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) civilian spy agency, the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The coveted slot and perhaps he was a pioneer in establishing the CTD in KP had been lying vacant for more than a month after the retirement of province. It is also said that he has no political alignment. Aftab Sultan. It is hoped he takes Intelligence Bureau (IB) to the next level of Dr Muhammad Suleman Khan serving as Intelligence Bureau’s modernization and efficiency. "He uses the most modern tools very (IB's) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief and promoted to grade-22 effectively for the collection of CT intelligence. He established IB- and posted as IB DG after the post fell vacant after the third Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) liaison which provided extension of former Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) officer Aftab excellent results in counter-terrorism drive," the colleague said. The Sultan ended in the first week of April this year. A notification role of civilian agencies has become crucial ahead of the polls, in issued by Establishment Division said, “Dr Suleman Khan, a BS-22 terms of facilitating the civilian government to deal with multi- officer of police service of Pakistan, who is serving in Intelligence pronged challenges ranging from counter-terrorism to dealing with Bureau, is promoted to BPS-22 in that service with immediate hostile agencies in the country. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) does effect. On promotion, the officer is transferred and posted as not report to any ministry and functions under the PM. Director General Intelligence Bureau (IB) until further order.” Originally, the Prime Minister considered three names – Dr Suleman Khan widely believed to be the choice for the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Academy Commandant Mehr Khaliq Dad The Intelligence Bureau (IB), is a civilian intelligence agency in Pakistan. Established in 1947, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) is Pakistan's oldest intelligence agency. Appointments and supervision of its operations are authorized by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. intelligence agency's top job. During his time in IB, he got over 1,000 Lak, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Joint Director Fawad Asadullah and jet black terrorists and criminals with head money arrested. Dr Suleman. Important cases resolved in his career at IB include attacks on A number of other names were also reportedly considered Peshawar Judicial Complex, attack on Islamabad district courts, including that of Punjab Inspector General Police Arif Nawaz Wagah border blast and Peshawar Meena Bazaar blast, which Khan, Federal Investigation Agency Director General (DG) Bashir involved dozens of foreign terrorists. The new Director General Memon, National Counter Terrorism Authority's National Intelligence Bureau (IB) has many Herculean tasks ahead of him. Coordinator Ihsan Ghani, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Joint Director He has developed his authority over international proscribed Shujaat ullah Qureshi and National Police Bureau Director General organizations. (DG) Shaukat Hayat. Of these candidates, only Fawad Asadullah He worked to destroy the Daesh's regional networks before and Shujaat ullah Qureshi belong to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) – anybody even knew about their presence in Pakistan. both in BPS-21. Dr Suleman Khan has also been involved in successful All other officers belong to Police Service of Pakistan and are operations against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, 313 Brigade, Jamaat now serving in BPS-22 ul Ahrar and Al Qaeda in the country. As a senior police officer, he has also extended cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Author is the President, Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) and Department (CTD) and security forces as Consolidated Civillian Editor-in-Chief of ‘Mélange’ and ‘ The Asian Telegraph’

Mélange 19 June 2018 Economy & Finance The 2018-2019 Budget: Historic or Not?

Bilal Hussain he PML-N government's newly appointed Finance Minister Miftah Ismail presented the sixth full-term budget in the National Assembly in April that is being taken with mixed Tfeelings. Commenting that it was a “historic moment for the parliament that the 6th budget is being presented” While assuring the infuriated opposition, he stated that his government “cannot interrupt the 5.8 per cent GDP growth. However, the next government will have the right to make changes to the budget." Budget strategy 18-19 Expenditure for the government in FY18-19 has been set at Rs5.246 trillion. The target GDP growth rate for the upcoming fiscal year has been set at 6.2pc against FY17-18's target of 6pc. The government intends to keep inflation to below 6pc. The intended tax to GDP ratio is 13.8pc, while net public debt is targeted to be contained at 63.2pc of the GDP. The budget deficit is also targeted to be contained at 4.9pc of GDP. A $15bn target for forex reserves has been set in FY18-19. As part of the budget strategy, social protection programs will be continued in the upcoming fiscal year. Salient features According to the finance minister, "This target will be achieved The outlay of the budget is Rs5.9 trillion. The tax revenue target through improved tax steps and improved tax administration. The is Rs4.435 trillion. Rs1.1 trillion is apportioned for defence sector tax base is being expanded and the percentage of tax is being while the GDP growth rate target is fixed at 6.2pc for the next year. reduced." With the tax rates reduced for all tax brackets, the The finance minister estimates forex reserves to come to about government expects the tax net will see a considerable increase as it $15bn in FY18-19. Rs688 million rupees will be spent for alleviation estimates the revenues from direct taxes to increase next year. It also of poverty in the coming fiscal year. Rs800 billion will be given in expects indirect taxes to increase by about Rs280bn. The non-tax agricultural loans. Budgetary allocations for Benazir Income revenue target too has been set at Rs1,246bn, according to a copy of Support Program (BISP) have been increased to 124.7 billion rupees the budget 18-19. Moreover, the provincial share in tax revenue will for the next financial year as opposed to previous 121 billion rupees. be increased from Rs2,316bn to Rs2,590bn. Further, Rs10 billion earmarked for Prime Minister's Youth Expenditure Program. It is good news that no duty or tax has been imposed on As expected, the budget hikes current expenditures and cuts dairy farmers and livestock. The fiscal deficit is expected to be development. This is the first PML-N budget to do so. The hike in Rs2,029 billion, whereas, inflation rate will be contained below 6pc. current expenditures is roughly 20pc, while development The exports target for next year is set at Rs27.30 billion and the expenditure has been cut 20pc. The share of current and defence budget is expected to be Rs1.050 trillion. Salaries and development expenditure respectively in the total budgetary outlay is pensions of employees are increased by 10 pc. Rs25 billion special 80.6pc and 19.4pc. Current expenditure has been estimated at package for Karachi is also announced along with a hefty amount of Rs4,780.4bn, while development expenditure is set at Rs1,152.1bn. Rs220 billion that is earmarked for subsides on power, textile, water, Interest payments are expected to rise 18.9pc to Rs1,620.2bn. The construction of small dams. The federal expenditure has been set at government has also tried to keep everyone happy, jacking up the Rs1010 billion while the provincial at Rs1030 billion. The budget for budget for defence expenditures by 19.6pc to Rs1,100bn; pensions development projects will be Rs201 billion. Rs39 bn allocated for by 37.9pc to Rs342bn; and the civil government's operational budget Pakistan Railways. Rs137 bn is allocated for Gwadar infrastructure by 23pc to Rs463.4bn. development in which road network, seaport, airport, hospital are to Salaries and pensions be constructed in Gawadar. The 7th NFC award will have a reduced A 10pc ad-hoc relief allowance will be provided to civil and federal share. The tax target for the Federal Bureau of Revenue armed forces employees with effect from July 1, 2018, according to (FBR) has been fixed at 4435 billion in the new budget. the budget speech 18-19, while a 10pc increase across-the-board is Revenue also being proposed for pensioners. Considering the difficulties of The total tax revenue target is Rs4,888.6bn, of which the FBR low-paid pensioners, the minimum pension is being increased to taxes comprise Rs4,435bn. Rs10,000 from the current Rs6,000. Similarly, family pension will

Mélange 20 June 2018 Economy & Finance also be increased to Rs7,500 from Rs4,500 previously. The minimum year. The Interior Division, which had a Rs15.7bn budget this year, pension of pensioners above the age of 75 will become Rs15,000. will get an additional Rs8.3bn. Among other divisions gaining Defence generous bumps next year is the Pakistan Atomic Energy The defence budget has Commission, the budget of which has been hiked by a whopping been set at Rs1,100bn from a 88pc to Rs28.3bn. A new allocation of Rs10bn has also been made revised budget estimate of for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) 10 Year Plan. Rs999bn in the previous year Meanwhile, the allocation for the housing and works division has and a 19.5pc increase over the been cut by almost half to Rs5.4bn. budgeted amount for last year. Slash in budgetary allocations The increase in the defence The Clean Drinking Water for All programme, with a Rs12.5bn budget for 18-19 is the highest allocation in the current year's budget, has been scrapped since the PML-N took over in completely. The allocation for the National Highway Authority 2013. (NHA) has also been cut by a significant 34pc as major projects Capital receipts and payments including the Karachi-Hyderabad and Sukkur-Multan motorway The government expects to raise nearly Rs406bn through public near completion. The power division also gets a Rs24bn cut, and is debt, which represents a Rs91bn (28.9pc) increase over the previous down to Rs36bn in the upcoming budget. The provinces' share of year under this head. Floating debt will account for the greater part PSDP has also been slashed by around 24pc to Rs850bn, bringing of public debt, with the government expecting to raise a total both the federal and provincial PSDP closer to revised spending in Rs292.5bn under this head. Rs200bn of this will come from treasury the current year of Rs750bn and Rs800bn, respectively. bill auctions — which represents a 344pc increase over last year — The budget for the national health services has also been and the remaining from prize bonds. Permanent debt will be cut to reduced by 49pc from Rs48.7bn to Rs25bn. Railways would also get Rs113.55bn from Rs184.93bn last year, with the most significant cut Rs8.5bn less than the current year, which could be because of a provisioned for ijara sukuk bonds, through which the government reduction in its losses. However, it could also be because the division expects to raise only Rs10.62bn compared to Rs60bn last year. used only Rs22bn from this year's budget, leaving Rs20bn unspent. Further, the government also expects to settle Rs174bn of short Pakistan will also spend less on ensuring Sustainable Development term credit (compared to only Rs39.77bn last year). Goals (SGDs) are met, as the allocation under this head has been Public Sector Development Programme slashed massively from Rs30bn to only Rs5bn. Meanwhile, the Special Federal Development programme and Energy for All programmes have been completely scrapped. Among other interesting figures is the spending by the petroleum division this year, the budget for which overshot by Rs16bn while the original allocation had only been Rs554m. On the other hand, the planning, development and reform division was unable to spend Rs12.6bn out of its allocated Rs16.8bn. Financing the deficit T h e g o v e r n m e n t intends to restrict the overall fiscal deficit to Rs1890.2bn or 4.9pc of the GDP, down from the revised estimates for the year 2017-18 which stood at 5.5pc. While the government expects to raise 33.4pc more in external loans, it also faces a 137.7pc jump After being jacked up last year, the federal Public Sector in repayments as loans Development Programme (PSDP) has been slashed by 20pc mature. In maturing loans, compared to last year's budgeted amount, falling to Rs800bn this long-term foreign loan repayments will rise 110pc to Rs601.8bn year. from last year, while repayments of short-term loans will jump Although the government mentions the total federal PSDP will 337.7pc to Rs174.2bn compared to Rs39.8bn a year ago. To finance be equal to Rs1,030bn, the additional Rs230bn will not come out of its Rs1,890bn deficit, therefore, the government will jack up the federal government's pockets, instead being provided by self- borrowing from local banks by 160.2pc — from Rs390bn to financing by corporations and authorities. The allocation for the Rs1,015bn — to finance its expenditures. The government also water division has been more than doubled to Rs79bn in 2018-19, plans to float Sukuk bonds and expects to generate Rs200bn from with the announcement coming just days after the provinces and the the auction of treasury bills over the last year's budgeted figure, federation agreed to a national water policy. according to the Budget 18-19 document Meanwhile, the Capital Administration and Development The writer is Staff Reporter & Content Writer in Division will get 2.6 times the current amount in the coming fiscal Melange International Magazine &The Asian Telegraph

Mélange 21 June 2018 Economy & Finance New Islamabad Airport In case of an emergency on the main runway, the secondary runway will be used which can handle planes as large as the Boeing B777. It was a unique project of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and designed by the French company Aéroports de Paris Ingenierie Zahid Haleem (ADPi) and CPG Corporation of Singapore. The whole project was financed by CAA on its own. It is built on more than 3200 acres of A handful of transportation innovations over the last century, land and consists of a passenger terminal building, 2 runways electric street cars, automobiles, and airplanes, have had profound (28L/10R, 28R/10L), taxiways, apron and parking bays for wide- impacts on the size, distribution, and internal structure of cities with body aircraft. There is also a cargo terminal, air traffic control several authors positing an air-auto age. The infrastructure complex, fuel farm, as well as a fire, crash, and rescue facility. It is supporting these transportation modes are not intrusions upon equipped to handle all types of aircraft including the new generation cities but fundamental components of large contemporary cities. aircraft such as the Airbus A380, Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350 Nodes of transport interchange, whether central points of junction XWB aircraft. The site of the airport is near the Rawalpindi-Fateh or places of transfer between long distance and local means of Jang Road near Fateh Jang Attock, some 20 km from Zero Point, transport, frequently serve as anchors for urban development. Islamabad and 23 km from Saddar, Rawalpindi. The airport was Airports have become more than just a port that people travel developed to be on par with international standards to serve as a through on their way to their destination, with many now operating major hub for all aviation activities in Pakistan. as hubs that send passengers around the world. Hub airports work to The CAA asked a team of British architects to design the new create economics of scale by pooling demand for destinations and airport. CAA signed an agreement with Louis Berger Group of USA regular flights. After facing in association with Pakistani delays for many years and consulting firm GT AASR, to spending billions of rupees, undertake project management Pakistan's largest airport – the services. On 18 April 2018, a Islamabad International Airport notam was issued by CAA which – has been finally completed and mentioned that the new inaugurated by Prime Minister Islamabad International Airport Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on 1st will be operational from 3 May May. 2018. This was followed up with Originally scheduled to be the airport commencing full completed during the era of the commercial flight operations on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 3 May 2018 and thus replacing government at a cost of Rs32 the old airport. billion, the airport has finally According to civil aviation been completed at a cost of a u t h o r i t y ( C A A ) t h e more than Rs105 billion with international new airport of multiple completion deadlines Islamabad has the facilities of being revised time and again. the international airports which The Islamabad new airport, which is designed as “Y” shape, includes are provide by other international airports of the world. 15 passenger boarding bridges, a passenger-friendly terminal, two Moreover, the airport provides best first aid medical facilities to runways, three taxiways along with facilities to accommodate two passengers of all airlines, airport functionaries, CAA employees and double-decks A380, as many as 15 remote bays and seven remote emergency evacuation of serious cases to the nearest Govt. A bays for small aircraft. hospital is built to provide all medical facilities. Further, inspection A cargo terminal, air traffic control complex, oil depot and two fire of food outlets and other areas are ensured for hygiene and stations with latest fire-fighting equipment as well as rescue services maintaining quality standards. are also part of the new facility. The airport is equipped with LED Facilities are available for all privileged needy passengers and senior airfield lighting system for better vision at night. Islamabad's new citizens. Facilities are signposted and identified with the standard airport has South East Asia's third Instrument Landing System (ILS) International Sinology. Passenger with such needs should notify Category 3. Before this, only Lahore Airport and Delhi Airport had their airlines ahead of their visit. They can contact concerned airlines ILS in the region. ILS gives a 50-meter visibility even during thick for wheel chair service on their special counters in arrival and foggy weather. The airport has a modular design which enables it to departure halls. For quick money exchange and other negotiable handle nine million passengers and 50,000 metric tons of cargo instruments banks and money change counters are available 24 initially. Currently, the airport has enough capacity to handle 9 hours. Free Wifi Internet Services are also available at all lounges million passengers a year. It does have the capability to cater 25 including International / Domestic departure and Rawal Lounge for million passengers per annum upon expansion as well. the convenience of passengers The new airport has two runways and three rapid exit taxiways which The writer is Staff Reporter & Content Writer in ‘Mélange Int’l will make A380's landing and take-off easier and without any delays. Magazine’ & ‘ The Asian Telegraph’

Mélange 22 June 2018 Economy & Finance SAARC Formulating Strategies to Realize South Asia Vision 2030 projects in each SAARC member state and joint ventures have been signed for 12 projects across SAARC and some are in the negotiation stage. They also discussed the current status of SAARC industrial parks. In Pakistan, the government has provided 150 acres Aqsa Ahmad Gondal of land in Faisalabad and the governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan President SAARC Chamber, Ruwan Edirisinghe says it is the top and Sri Lanka are also keen on providing land to develop industrial priority of the South Asian Association for parks. Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Chamber SAARC CCI Vice President said due to of Commerce & Industry (CCI) agenda that lack of physical infrastructure to unleash the all due efforts would be initiated to forge economic potential of the region, SAARC- good relations with all SAARC member CCI had also identified some projects of states and for this, we have to commit to and energy, connectivity, and taking advantage accelerate our efforts towards forging closer of value addition in information technology bilateral and regional partnerships and sector. economic integ ration within the Pakistan is committed to regional subcontinent and beyond. cooperation under the umbrella of SAARC He was speaking at a 3-day meeting of for promoting welfare of the people of Senior Vice President and all Vice South Asia, improving their quality of life, Presidents from SAARC member countries economic progress, social uplift and cultural to chalk out strategies to materialize its cooperation. vision 2030 for the common betterment of President of South Asians Association the people of South Asia. The agenda of the for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting is focused on enhancing trade Chamber of Commerce & Industry –the among all the SAARC countries: Pakistan, apex body of SAARC Countries (Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Afghanistan. The Maldives and Afghanistan) and taking over matters pertaining to free trade in the the presidency of SAARC CCI from March S A A RC r e g i o n , t h e p r o p o s a l o f 2018 up to March 2020. President of harmonization of customs procedures and documentations in the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sri Lanka region to facilitate (FCCISL), and taking movement of goods over Presidency of across the borders are FCCISL from 23rd also under discussion. February 2018 to D e s p i t e February 2020. challenges, he said, C h a i r m a n o f SAARC region holds C e y l o n N a t i o n a l immense trade and C h a m b e r o f investment potential Industries Sri Lanka and to actualize that (CNCI). potential special M a n a g e m e n t focus and effort is required for regional integration. He said SAARC Committee Member of Chamber of Young Lanka Entrepreneurs, member countries must focus on removal of non-tariff barriers (COYLE). Council Member of Sri Lanka Standards Institution (NTBs) and must work for enhancing B2B interaction to boost (SLSI) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and a trade. He said that the increasing interdependence and the notion of member of the International Organization for Standardization shared goals and common concerns were the genesis of SAARC. By (ISO). Corporate member of Chamber of Construction Industries realizing the commitment of leaders that are enshrined in SAARC of Sri Lanka (CCI). Committee Member of Engineering and Charter, the regioncan progress and bring economic prosperity and Architectural Council of University Grants Commission (UGC) of social uplift for our generations. He highlighted that SAARC region Higher Education Ministry of Sri Lanka holds immense trade and investment potential, being home to 21 percent of world's population. SAARC CCI has identified 20 The writer is Staff Reporter in ‘Mélange Int’l Magazine’ & ‘ The Asian Telegraph’

Mélange 23 June 2018 Economy & Finance UAE Markets Demand Pakistani Presence M e g a B u s i n e s s D e a l S t r e n g t h e n s Russo-Pak Relations Chaudhary Arslan Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said that, the business community of Pakistan was eag er to improve trade and economic relations with Russia. The imbalance of tilting 100 percent west for seven decades should be corrected by becoming closer to the regional friends like Turkey and Russia. Pakistan and Russia are in various business deals worth over $10 billion which will take bilateral relations to new heights, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry The UAE's ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim (FPCCI) Senior Vice President (SVP) Mazhar Ali Nasir said while Salem Al-Zaabi on Tuesday said his country values its relations with Pakistan and it wants to strengthen economic talking to Russian trade officials at the sidelines of the 22nd St relations between the two brotherly countries. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). TTies between Pakistan and UAE were defined throughout Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry history with warmth and brotherly relations but Pakistani products (FPCCI) Vice President Atif Ikram Sheikh, Chairman have little presence in the UAE's market despite good quality which Coordination Malik Sohail, and Director General South Asian must be enhanced through joint efforts and proper marketing, he Strategic Stability Institute Dr Maria Sultan are also part of the added. delegation attending St Petersburg International Economic The Ambassador said this while talking to the President FPCCI Ghazanfar Bilour. Vice Presidents of the Apex Chamber Karim Aziz Forum (SPIEF). Malik, Atif Ikram Sheikh, Chairman Coordination Malik Sohail and Amid changing circumstances, Pakistan and Russia have been FPCCI official Amna Malik were also present on the occasion. trying to open a new chapter in their bilateral relations and the Hamad Obaid said that Pakistan is a growing economy and he came visit of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce here with a strong commitment to further strengthen relations (FPCCI's) delegation is part of the efforts to increase bilateral between the two countries and that Pakistan is facing groundless trade, Nasir told the leaders of different Russian Chambers of propaganda about law and order which should be addressed. Commerce. He invited Pakistani companies to Expo 2020, a universal exposition He said fifteen thousand delegates from seventy-two countries to be hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. are attending the forum while business deals worth 100 billion Thousands of companies from 170 countries will be participating in the expo whose site will be stretched over 1083 acres while the dollars have been finalized which indicate its importance. world's largest Solar Power Project will also start by Expo 2020. Mazhar Ali Nasir said Pakistan and Russia have taken a pro-active The Dubai Expo 2020 also would see a rise in the GDP as predicted approach to take the relationship forward and look for realizing by the International Monetary Fund, therefore, Pakistani companies the potential in economic cooperation. should also avail the opportunity, he added. Malik Sohail said St Petersburg International Economic Forum At the occasion, President FPCCI Ghazanfar Bilour said, “In today's (SPIEF) is an important event, therefore, France's President highly interconnected world, a renewed vision of progress and Emmanuel Macron, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, Japan's development based on shared purpose and commitment is the key.” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, China's Vice President Wang Qishan, Dubai continues to astonish the world through its development as and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine well as initiatives and we want to be part of it, therefore we would like to attend the expo and meet the rulers and trade officials, he added. Lagarde are among the noted participants. While appreciating UAE's assistance for development and India has a good presence at the forum while African countries humanitarian sectors, he said that Pakistan offers good returns on have also established their pavilions but Pakistan's Government investment in power, oil and gas, telecom and financial services sector has ignored the forum which is amazing, he added. He praised the etc. therefore, the investors from UAE should explore Pakistani services of Honorary Consul General Dr Abdul Rauf Rind and market. He said that the sacrifices of Army has ensured peace across assured that Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce the country while terrorism has almost been uprooted therefore foreign investors should feel safe about our country (FPCCI) will not only fully participate in all such forums in the The writer is Associate Editor of ‘Mélange’ Magazine & The Asian future butThe writeralso isar Associaterange PPrakistan'sofessor, School pa ofvilion Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i- Azam University, Islamabad & Member Advisory Board at ‘Mélange’ and COPAIR Telegraph & Degree Holder in Communication & Media Studies

Mélange 24 June 2018 Economy & Finance Pakistan at crossroads & CPEC Washington and its allies. Many western analysts interpreted it as a strategic arrangement between Beijing and Islamabad having hidden military designs to liberate the latter from “Malacca Dilemma”. It is an open secret that China enormously relies on the Malacca Straits Dr Zafar N Jaspal (sea-route). Its nearly 80% of energy needs (oil imports) en-route AKISTAN cannot ignore the great powers politics in Asia from the Middle East to China ports pass through Malacca Straits. due to its geostrategic location, devastating dispute with President Hu Jintao coined term “Malacca Dilemma” in November India, and endless protracted asymmetrical warfare in 2003 to express over-reliance of China on Strait. He noted: “certain PAfghanistan. Paradoxically, the geostrategic location of Pakistan powers have all along encroached on and tried to control navigation intensifies its significance in the strategic calculations of the great through [Malacca] Strait.” Nevertheless, conflicts in region, India's powers; concurrently it multiplies its vulnerability to external Asia-Pacific strategy to steward Indian Ocean, vulnerability of sea interferences. Today, diplomatically Pakistan is at the crossroads. It lanes to great powers strategic competition, new maritime alliances has gradually been loosing its significance in the Americans' global formation etc. pose a challenge to China's geopolitical and energy strategic outlook. The cementing Indo-US strategic partnership has strategies and other issues that can crop up from time to time been causing misperceptions entailing differences between Pakistan together constitute “Malacca Dilemma”. and United States. Consequently, Americans have been distancing themselves from Pakistan and thereby Islamabad and Washington diplomatic relations are also deteriorating. Realizing the shift in American policy, Pakistan is revisiting its foreign and strategic policy. Presently, it is improving its bilateral relations with both Russian Federation and China. Instead of military alignments, Islamabad has been struggling to cultivate economic, cultural and diplomatic relations with China, Russia, Central Asian nations. Indeed, Pakistanis would benefits from Asian economic connectivity rather than being a front-line akin to the Cold The current Chinese ruling elite cannot underestimate Malacca War-style confrontation, which had led to troubled ties with Dilemma, especially after President Trump declared China as a neighbours. Today, Pakistan has been seriously working on CPEC strategic competitor and approved India's “leadership role in Indian and improving its economic connectivity with the Economic Ocean security and throughout the broader region” to balance Cooperation Organization (ECO), especially Central Asian states. China in the Asian strategic setting. The United States 2017 National On March 1, 2017, Pakistan successfully held the 13th ECO Summit Security Strategy document claimed that China challenges American at Islamabad with the theme of “Connectivity for Regional power, influence, interests, and attempting to erode American security and prosperity. Instead of responding pugnaciously, Beijing Today, Pakistan has been seriously advised Washington to avoid Cold War mentality. Nevertheless, after working on China-Pakistan Economic announcement of National Security Strategy on December 18, Corridor and improving its economic 2017, Trump administration has adopted punitive attitude towards c o n n e c t i v i t y w i t h t h e E c o n o m i c Pakistan. This impression that CPEC has inbuilt military dimension is due to the impressive defense cooperation between China and Cooperation Organization (ECO), Pakistan since decades. Nonetheless, both the Chinese and Pakistani especially Central Asian states. government officials have been doing their best to quash the impression about the military dimension of CPEC. Chinese Prosperity.” Perhaps, without the regional connectivity neither ECO ambassador to Islamabad Yao Jing categorically stated: “I want to members nor Pakistan can resolve their socio-economic problems. make it very clear, BRI initiative and with CPEC under it, it's purely a China's President, Xi Jinping OBOR enterprise or Belt-Road commercial development project. We don't have any kind of military Initiative (BRI) and President Barak Obama 'Asia-pivot' strategy or strategic design for that. We don't want to make the CPEC as such broaden the scope of Pakistan-China strategic partnership. a kind of platform.” Despite the Chinese and Pakistani clarifications President Xi announced CPEC project in April 2015. Subsequently, about CPEC, Americans and Indians have been expressing their CPEC was designated as the flagship project of $1-trillion global serious concerns about the project. BRI. The CPEC germinated optimism about the economic To conclude, India and United States collusion against China development of Pakistan. Geographically, being a pivotal Asian germinates misperceptions about CPEC. Moreover, New Delhi has state, Pakistan can maximize its economic, diplomatic and military been involved in sabotaging the project. In this context, it has been interests in the transforming global strategic environment. CPEC using Hybrid warfare techniques. Therefore, Islamabad should has not only amplified Pakistan's pivotal role in the connectivity of revamp its foreign and strategic policy intelligently and carefully in Western, Central South Asian and Eurasian nations, but has also the transforming global political environment and also vigilantly provided immense economic opportunity. It has been bringing combats internally the Hybrid warfare for smooth execution of constructive change in Pakistan's infrastructure, energy production CPEC projects and foreign direct investment. The writer is Associate Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam The impressive work on the CPEC project has alarmed University, Islamabad & Member Advisory Board at ‘Mélange Int’l Magazine’ and COPAIR

Mélange 25 June 2018 Economy & Finance ABAD INT'L EXPO Playing Central in Pakistan's Progress by Attracting Investments and Creating Employment Opportunities stated that Pakistan is facing a shortage of 120 million houses and this issue should be taken seriously. If the government announces any Hadi Bandial policy related to real estate, ABAD has shown its interest to provide Construction, a term that encompasses activities related to the assistance in this regard. creation of physical infrastructure and related activities, plays a crucial Previously ABAD started launching its exhibitions from Karachi role in the economy of any country. It has been estimated that output when for the very first time they organized an Expo at Karachi Expo of the sector has a significant share of 40-60% in gross fixed capital Centre which had brought all major allied industries under one roof formation. Moreover, studies have suggested that more than 60 other back in August 2014. Exhibitors, associated with tiles, sanitary fittings, associated industries form linkages with the construction and housing hardware, paints and pipe businesses are confident that they would industry. This makes the sector pivotal to economic development as it generate business from such Expos. According to them, these is crucial for providing shelter, employment and infrastructure. The exhibitions attracted all the leading builders and developers who are construction industry is playing an important role in economic growth their prospective target buyers. It is easier for them now to pitch their of Pakistan. Recent estimates published in the Economic Survey of products. The signing of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Pakistan show that the industry grew 9.1% in FY17 and contributed (CPEC) agreement and improvement in the country's security 2.7% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). BMI Research situation have been key to boosting not only the construction industry, has also provided a healthy growth outlook for but creating a positive Pakistani image abroad. the sector, putting it at 11.8% annually from With China having the first-mover advantage in 2016-20 and 9.1% over 2016-25. Some serious injecting foreign investment into the country, efforts are highly appreciated to enhance the other countries have followed suit. growth of this sector. Association of Builders Locally, investment has also been boosted and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) is a by government policies such as reduction in national level representative organization of the duties and taxes on building materials like steel, Builders and Developers. It was formed in 1972 construction machinery and equipment and with the aim and objective of unifying and computerisation of land ownership records. streamlining the construction activities of the The construction industry is in a developing private sector. Today, ABAD has more than 800 stage in Pakistan. There is an urgent need to leading construction companies in its fold. eliminate bottlenecks such as corrupt practices Recently ABAD has organized its 2nd Expo at in the industry, carry out extensive Pakistan China Freindship Centre Islamabad. computerisation of land ownership records for Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Rafique greater transparency, improve land regulation Rajwana inaugurated the 2nd Property Expo 2018 of ABAD. 122 and building control, standardise and implement building laws across leading local and 22 foreign construction companies from Turkey, Italy, the board and impart latest skills to students for the future of the China and Malaysia participated in this international Expo, as a result industry. The vertical growth in the shape of apartments and plazas in of which the organizers estimate $500 million investment into the large cities of Pakistan would make the big cities more manageable. To country as an aftermath of the Expo. Before the advent of the Expo some extent Karachi is seeing such growth as organised property While addressing the media, ABAD Chairman Arif Jeewa and Patron developers are offering low cost flats to the less affluent segments of in Chief Mohsin Sakhani said that this expo will break the previous society on affordable installment. year's record. “ABAD had organised a housing Expo in Islamabad in “The Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan is 2017 and had got a tremendous response from the natives of twin playing a key role in Pakistan's progress by attracting investments and cities”, they added. Mohsin Sakhani c r e a t i n g e m p l o y m e n t revealed that, we had announced to The signing of the CPEC agreement and opportunities,” Doctor Tariq Fazal launch a low-cost housing project improvement in the country's security Chaudhary, federal minister of state for the inhabitants of Islamabad. for capital administration and The patron in chief of ABAD situation have been key to boosting not development, said while addressing disclosed that “we have finalised a only the construction industry, but the launching ceremony of ABAD land near New Islamabad Airport creating a positive Pakistani image abroad. International Expo-2018. The and ABAD will soon start work on minister said apart from addressing this project”. We have fixed the price of 5 marla house at just Rs2.1 other issues, the government would also fully support the association's million, earlier the price was ranging from Rs1.5 million to Rs1.9 social housing scheme as it was in line with its manifesto of providing million depending on the availability of land, he further informed. shelter to homeless people. Builders say that the real estate valuation In order to address job-related issues, ABAD also arranged a job system, which has been reformed with the right intention of fair in which leading experts from the textile sector, cement sector, documenting this sector, needs some simplification adding that the manufacturing sector, architects and others have participated. current system of three-tier valuation of property can at least be Moreover, a seminar on building management was also arranged in regrouped into two: residential and commercial which speakers belonging to construction companies informed the Writer is the CEO of Mélange IT Solutions & The Asian Telegraph, audience about new trends in the housing sector. Mohsin Sekhani an expert on Political Economy, & Director of Bandial Group

Mélange 26 June 2018

Economy & Finance IAPEX concludes on high note R I C , C h a i r m a n K abeer Malik said the event helped introduce the challenges of modern Grate technology and its impact on the people's The three-day Exhibition of Building Materials and Products lifestyles to young designers. chairman Kabeer Malik Organized by Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAPEX) ended on a said the institute, which provided equal opportunity to the high note. The event, organized by the Institute of Architects architects and allied industry to interact and develop professional Pakistan's Rawalpindi and Islamabad chapter brought the country's relations, organized the exhibition every year to bring new building architectural masterminds and home decorators under one roof and materials, technology and innovation, and building solutions to the attracted the people from architects to engineers to builders to doorsteps of end users and consumers. members of allied professions to common men on all days. He said the institute had expanded its horizon to greater avenues Islamabad's Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz inaugurated the exhibition, of linkage of professionals through seminars and interactive visited stalls of builders and architects and learned about their sessions, augmenting synergies of architectural schools in the region, initiatives for modern and affordable housing. and displaying the works of architect experts and students. “We're He said architecture had undergone a drastic change over a hopeful that the IAPEX 2018 will set new standards for the period of time due to technological advancement and therefore, upcoming year and thus, benefitting our stakeholders to promote architects along with builders should act accordingly to respond to their innovative products,”. Kabeer Malik said the event's topic, Archi our current and future needs. The mayor said more and more such Future, was meant to instill in the young designers the challenges of events should be held to the benefit of all, especially common man. modern day technology and its impact on the people's lifestyles. He Commonly called the IAPEX 2018, it had the theme of 'Archi said the discourse on contemporary architectural issues during the Future – Future Living, Technology, and Sustainability'. event would inspire and motivate stakeholders to create a vision for Manufacturers and vendors put up stalls to showcase their products sustainable world of the tomorrow. and services, while architects informed visitors about modern IAPEX 2018 chief convener Rana Arif Rehman said the event concepts and trends of architecture, urban development and helped bridge gaps among the architectural community, interior building material industry and answered their questions. With an aim designers, developers, potential home builders, and allied building to enhance the exposure of local students, academia and construction professionals. “We had people from every major city professionals, world-famous architects Raya Ani and Andre showing their bonding, commitment and enthusiasm to participate Meyerhans also made it to the event. They spoke in the IAPEX in the mega event. With so much support from vendors and Forum, interacted with audience, and judged the ideas of architecture sponsors, the IAPEX, an annual event, achieved new heights of students and experts along with IAP, RIC, Chairman Kabeer Malik. success,” he said. The vendors appreciated the holding of the The organizers declared the exhibition a successful event. IAP, exhibition, saying it helped them expand clientele. Kamran Sheikh of the Lodhia Gypsum Industries Private Limited said his company manufacturing and selling high-quality gypsum board and tiles had participated in the IAPEX many times but had come to Islamabad for the first time and had a good experience. He said the company's representatives had interacted with architects, builders, engineers, contractors and suppliers and found new clients. Hasan Iqbal Gardezi of the Kitchen Care said his company specialized in kitchen designing, manufacturing, import and installation and had put up a stall in the Islamabad exhibition to renew contacts with architects and consultants and inform them about new products and services. “We've got a good response from visitors and therefore, participation in this event will boost our sales,” he said. The visitors welcomed the exhibition and called for the holding of more and more such events to benefit all concerned

Writer is Staff Reporter Mélange for Europe & Coordinator Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR)

Mélange 28 June 2018 Economy & Finance ICCI Terms Budget 2018-19 as Balanced ICCI Calls for Tax Reduction in Real Estate Sector in Budget 2018-19 Muhammad Naveed, Senior Vice President, Islamabad Ayesha Kayani Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the Sheikh Amir Waheed, President of Islamabad Chamber of government to reduce heavy taxes on real estate sector in Commerce and Industry ICCI said that budget 2018-19 is budget 18-19 so that this sector could play effective role in the apparently a balanced budget as government has tried to provide economic development of the country. He was talking to Ch. relief to some sectors of the economy and to the common man. Zahid Rafiq, newly elected Secretary General of Islamabad However, he said a comprehensive analysis of the budget could be Estate Agents Association during his visit to ICCI. Ch. given after going through its detail. He was addressing a press Nadeem Gujjar, Syed Adil Anis, Syed Haider Asad, Ch. Tahir conference after listening to the budget speech of Dr. Miftah and Abdul Noor were also present at the occasion. Ismail, Federal Minister Finance at Chamber House. Muhammad Muhammad Naveed Malik said that the role of real estate Naveed Malik Senior Vice President, Nisar Mirza Vice President sector was crucial in promoting commerce, industry, growth, ICCI, Khalid Javed, Zafar Bakhtawari, M. employment and pover ty Ejaz Abbasi, Major Rafique, Tariq Sadiq, reduction but imposition of Khalid Iqbal Malik, Khalid Chaudhry, heavy taxes on it in budget 16-17 Yousaf Rajput, Malik Ahsan and others were also present at the occasion. He said had badly affected its growth. withdrawing the powers of Chief He said that the growth of about Commissioners and Commissioners of 2 5 0 a n c i l l a r y i n d u s t r i e s FBR through finance bill 18-19 was a including cement, steel, brick, highly laudable step as it would reduce timber and building material was the element of harassment in the linked with real estate sector, but taxpayers and improve their confidence. the increase in taxes and new He said gradual decrease in super tax and method of determination of corporate tax would provide relief to the property prices have slumped corporate sector. He said government the business of real estate and its has provided tax relief in budget to allied industries. He said due to livestock and poultry sectors which is this situation, many investors were leaving the real estate sector appreciable. However, he said that government should have allowed duty free import of all industrial machinery and technology which was not good for the economy. He emphasized that which was a key demand of the private sector to compete government should pay urgent attention to resolve the key effectively in CPEC projects. He said keeping policy rate low by issues faced by the real estate sector as its growth would yield SBP for the last many years was a good decision as it has benefited multiple benefits for the economy including job creation, the private sector. Further, enhancing the income tax threshold up increase in tax revenue, growth of trade & industrial activities to 1.2 million for individuals was a positive step as it would provide and aiding the overall economy. Speaking at the occasion, Ch. sufficient relief to the salaried class. However, government should Zahid Rafique, Secretary General, Islamabad Estate Agents have provided same tax relief to the AOPs in the budget. Similarly Association highlighted various issues of real estate sector. He raising 10 percent salary and pension and enhancing minimum said that increase in taxes on real estate has badly affected pension was also appreciable. Sheikh Amir Waheed said that property business and urged that government should revise government has not provided any significant relief to the real estate these taxes to provide relief to realtors. He said that Capital sector in the budget. This sector has been burdened with heavy Development Authority (CDA) should develop a time frame taxes in previous budgets and realtors were expecting that for the development of new sectors for their timely government would provide them relief but their expectations have not been fulfilled. Tax on capital gain was also not reduced in the completion as delay in their development was causing losses to budget. He said that it is a strong demand of the business the investors and the people. He further said that CDA has community to bring sales tax to single digit level, but government increased commercialization fee on real estate sector that has paid no attention to this important demand created additional problems and urged that CDA should revise Writer is Staff Reporter Mélange Intenational Magazine the fee to facilitate the growth of business activities in this & The Asian Telegraph important sector of the economy

Mélange 29 June 2018 Economy & Finance international forums like United Nations (UN). Russia's 'Pivot to the East' policy forges a far-reaching political alignment with China; promoting friendly acquaintances The Emerging & promising development in Russia's Far East regions as well. In a joint statement, Chinese Central Military Commission Deputy Chairman Air Force General Xu Super-Power Qiliang and Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said that both countries continue their strategic course towards further bolstering friendly and trustworthy ties in the defense sphere; calling this relationship "an important factor for Troika maintaining global and regional security". China and Russia have delineated an enlightened New Vision of coherence and cooperation for development and steadiness in Eurasia and beyond. Pakistan's active participation in this civilizational endeavor will provide a thorough support for the Sarmad Ali Khan partnership. CPEC has turned out to be game change for the global trade. With rise of economic hubs and economic powers, the world The pristine location of Gwadar port has attracted not only the order is witnessing a paradigm shift. Many old economic and regional powers but also states that wish to expand their economic strategic alliances have gone through changes in drastic form either ties with the world. China plans to turn Gwadar into a mega port for dissolving them or amending them, largely. In the contemporary trans-shipping goods worldwide, along with energy pipelines, roads geo-political scenario, all the countries are trying to form alliances and rail links connecting to Western China. The Chinese 'Strings of for benefitting from them in diverse aspects ranging from social to Pearls' strategy focuses on all the strategic sea lanes of cultural & economic to strategic. Today's economic relations communication in order to carry out massive trade and ensure un- maintain a hidden strategic dimension as well, owing to the fact that interrupted supply of energy for China's large energy-consuming these domains are now highly amalgamated. modernization. The Asian continent has seen some very subtle changes in the China has pursued the 'Strings of Pearls' safeguarding its geo-political situation when it comes to shift in and crafting of new dominance from South-China Sea to Bay of Bengal, from Arabian alliance(s). One of the recent development in this regard is the Sea to Gulf of Aden & further to Bab-el-Mandeb in the Red Sea. formation of Pakistan-China-Russia's new triangular nexus. This China has leased a port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka following this troika has been termed as 'new super-power triangle' by many strategy. The Chinese presence in Gwadar Port gives it access to analysts. Massive developments in China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), functioning of Power of Siberia & the The Asian continent has seen operationalization of Eastern Siberia–Pacific Ocean Oil Pipeline some very subtle changes in (ESPO pipeline or ESPOOP) has devised a point of convergence the geo-political situation for these three countries; as they wish to link these three mega- when it comes to shift in and initiatives connecting the whole region. The recent Indo-US crafting of new alliance(s). Strategic Partnership has also cemented this troika, making the One of the recent development mutual antipathy for India as another congregating point. in this regard is the formation China & Pakistan have cherished friendly relations from a long time. They have collaborated in many fields like defense, of Pakistan-China-Russia's infrastructure, energy, agriculture and communication. Chinese new triangular nexus. support for Pakistan against Indian aggression on borders as well as maintain steadfastness over Strait of Malacca in addition to having on Kashmir Dispute is of prime importance. JF-17 Thunder is an an eye over Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. China also excellent example of Sino-Pak joint venture in defense while maintains a logistics facility in Djibouti near Bab-el-Mandeb for projects like building of China Pakistan Economic Corridor anti-piracy sea patrols in the region. (CPEC) & Karakoram Highway (KKH) illustrates the partnership Reports have suggested that CPEC will be host to an oil pipeline of the two countries in infrastructure domain. that will carry one million barrels of oil to China per day. This will be If we look at Russo-Pak cooperation, Pakistan has signed deals a welcome change for China, which currently imports about eight for engineering & procurement of Russian-made Klimov/Sarkisov million barrels per day. Six million barrels of oil are transported RD-93 engines. Russian-Pakistan collaboration can also be seen by through sea routes in China. the joint military exercises of 2017 & the recent visit of Chief of Russia has also shown keen interest on joining this economic Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, to Russian Federation corridor & developing a new trilateral partnership. Russian further sheds light on the enhancement of ties in defense sector. Intelligence Chief Alexander Bogdanov while on a visit to Gwadar When it comes to Sino-Russian relations, the two countries are showed great interest in Russia becoming a part of CPEC. seen supporting each other on global political issues. China has Intelligence officials from both countries have also expressed always supported Russian stance on Syrian Crisis, even in interest in strengthening defense and military ties. Russia has long

Mélange 30 June 2018 Economy & Finance fact that India purchased over US$1.5 billion worth of Russian military equipment in 2016, compared to Russian weapons worth US$45 million sold to Pakistan, the geopolitical tectonics are moving in other directions by smoothening Russo-Pakistan connections. The military might of Russia combined with the economic & technological advancement of China can get un-believable benefit from Pakistan's geostrategic location and will be able to transform international politics of Asian continent. Realignment policy of Russia and China towards South Asia is due to their shifting interests in this region. South Asian region has geo-political, geo-strategic and geo-economic significance. This troika has the potential to bring stability & prosperity in the desired to have access to a warm water port, as Arctic Ocean region. Many new projects would be initiated for linking Eurasian remains snow-covered almost through-out the year, making (EU) project to OBOR project. The Power of Siberia project, the Gwadar the best option. Central Asia – South Asia Connectivity (CASA-1000) project, Russian state-owned firm Rostekh Corporation is scheduling to Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and many other construct a 680-mile gas pipeline in Pakistan at an estimated cost of mega projects can amalgamate Eurasia with China, Central & South $2.5 billion, and an offshore gas pipeline is also planned. Despite Asia to enhance the prospects of trade and bring development and historical divisions, Pakistan and Russia increasingly find themselves access of natural resources to the region. on the same side on international forums, both politically and Turkey also wants to connect its oil and gas projects most ideologically with China as a common friend. Turkish interest to join this trilateral partnership can be seen from President Erdogan's said in a statement during his visit to Islamabad in November 2017. Turkish President reiterated that his country is eager to fortify ties with Pakistan. The visit was months after the Turkish President visited Moscow where Putin discussed strengthening of economic, diplomatic and military ties. Turkey is still one of the major allies in terms of diplomacy, trade, economic ties and defense cooperation of the Pakistan. With Beijing, Ankara has enjoyed firm economic and military ties but their bilateral relations are set to hit the roof after the support showed by China over the attempted July 2016 coup during Erdogan regime. As for Moscow and Ankara, both the states are beginning to restore ties. notably Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline with Central Asia and In response to the new emerging regional axis, the US included further to South Asia plus China. This projection of Turkey can call India in its shifting Asia Pacific policy, as part of its Quadrilateral for a quadrilateral politico-economic-cum-strategic bloc. Security Dialogue – often referred to as the “Quad”. The Quad also Military trade and drills will ensure security and stability in the includes Australia and Japan along with the United States itself. The region. In case of confrontation of the new emerging bloc, budding alliance is arrayed to counter China's expanding growth, strategically, the troika is at winning position. If the number of both economically & strategically. nuclear warheads are compared; the combine Russian-Chinese- India has actively pursued this individually and now aims to Pakistani warhead touch a considerable number of approximately contain Chinese presence as it aspires to become a world, with China 7600. as its biggest competitor. The Quad also aims to compete against It is expected that Central Asian Republics (CARs) might be part Chinese efforts to develop greater ties with its immediate neighbors. of this alliance in future to construct a new bloc. Recently, This includes Japan and Australia pledging to more aggressively Uzbekistan has pledged to work in close cooperation with Pakistan patrol the South and East China Seas. and Russia for regional peace emphasizing on regional counter- To counter the emerging troika, India is also developing terrorism policy for eliminating threats like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Islamic Chabbahar Port in an effort to attract potential foreign investments Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), East-Turkistan Islamic and to curtail the development and progress of Gwadar Port. This is Movement (ETIM) and others operating in the region. one of the biggest point that gels Sino-Pak relations, more. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is also playing a vital Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) role in developing deep bonds between Pakistan, Russia and the between India and the US, seems to have made India the US' Central Asian Republics (CARs). SCO aims to develop & build linchpin in Asia and the Indian Ocean. Indian access to US weapons progressive political, economic, and security relations not only in and support for Indian naval operations is an alarming development Eurasia but now also seeks to strengthen them with South Asian for Pakistan. This engagement has crafted out scenarios for Pakistan countries as well to rely more on Beijing & Moscow strategically and economically, as Washington keeps on hardening situations for Pakistan. Despite the The writer is Staff Reporter & Content Writer in ‘Mélange Int’l Magazine’ & ‘ The Asian Telegraph’ (COPAIR)

Mélange 31 June 2018 Business Leader Paddy Cosgrave Young Entrepreneur and CO-Founder of Web Summit

Melange Team

Paddy Cosgrave, an Irish entrepreneur is the co-founder of Web Summit, an annual technology conference, and CEO of the company that runs Web Summit and other events. In 2015 he was listed 18th in the Wired UK list of the most influential people in Europe in the field of technology. Patrick "Paddy" Cosgrave grew up on a farm in County Wicklow. He was educated at Glenstal Abbey School and Trinity College Dublin, where he studied Business, Economics and Social Studies (BESS). While at Trinity he was president of the University Philosophical Society (The Phil) and editor of Piranha, a satirical college magazine. During his presidency of The Phil, the society introduced Phil Speaks, an outreach initiative aimed at promoting debating and public speaking in Irish secondary schools. Cosgrave graduated with a BA from Trinity College, Dublin's BESS program in 2006. Cosgrave was one of the organizers and the executive director of Rock the Vote Ireland, a campaign launched in April 2007 to encourage young people to vote in the May 2007 Irish general election. He was also a co-founder of Mi Candidate, a website that "provided detailed information on every candidate running in the 2007 general election". Mi Candidate expanded its scope to become a syndicator of news and information about European politicians to media organizations. The company was sold for "an undisclosed sum" in October 2009. Cosgrave is the co-founder of the Web Summit and Founders conferences, and the CEO of Ci, the company that runs the two conferences and other

Mélange 32 June 2018 Business Leader Paddy Cosgrave, Recipient of the Gold Medal Award commented: “I would like to thank the President and the members of the IEA for this award. I would like to accept it, not for myself, but for my team at Ci. We are still young start up, only five years old, and I am constantly surprised at how far we have come in such a short time. As a technology company, looking outward to overseas markets has always been an important part of our DNA. In 2015 we have looked to establish a solid presence in the US and Asian markets and with luck and planning we will expand into new territories in 2016. I am honored to accept this award.” The Web Summit 2017 Lisbon called for new rules for powerful technology companies to end their monopolies as well as for the privacy and security of the end users. The tech events. Founders is an invitation-only event first held in Dublin in companies like Google and Facebook seem like monopolies and October 2009. The first Dublin Web Summit in November 2010 need new rules. Need for new rules was similar to past technological was attended by approximately 400 people. The fourth annual Web shifts such as the invention of cars. Summit in November 2014 had an attendance of over 22,000, and The event brought 60,000 attendees from over 160 countries 30,000 were expected to attend the event in Dublin in November together. In six short years, Web Summit has grown from 400 2015. Starting in 2016, the Web Summit was held in Lisbon, attendees to over 60,000 attendees from more than 150 countries. although Ci continued to be headquartered in Dublin. In 2014 Ci No technology conference has ever grown so large so fast. Web began introducing new events in the United States (Collision) and Summit has become Europe's largest and most important Hong Kong (RISE), with an event called SURGE planned for technology marketplace. February 2016 in India. Addressing the summit, the co-founder of Web Summit, Paddy Cosgrave was awarded the 2015 Irish Exporters Association Cosgrave joined growing calls for tighter regulation of big annual gold medal. He was listed 18th in the 2015 Wired UK list of technology firms especially after news that Russia may have the "100 most influential individuals in the wider Wired world". manipulated the last US election with political advertisements on The Irish Exporters Association (IEA), the voice of the export Facebook. He said recent initiatives by European Commissioner for industry in Ireland, presented its highest honour the Gold Medal Competition, Margrethe Vestager could bring big changes for big Award to Paddy Cosgrave, Ci in recognition of the exceptional tech companies and help level the playing field in a sector which is impact that he has made to the indigenous technology sector here in having a profound impact on societies. Cosgrave said that new Ireland through the Web Summit and his achievements worldwide technology had been assumed by many to be just positive, but it with Ci events such as Collision and RISE, based in Las Vegas and often “can be incredibly disruptive”. Hong Kong respectively. The lunch event, in association with Web Summit is a global technology conference hosted annually Barclays Bank Ireland is attended by 300 guests from across a range in Lisbon. Web Summit took place in Lisbon from 6-9 November of sectors including representatives from over 35 Embassies in 2017. Web Summit started in 2010 and has become the largest Ireland. technology event in the world. Last year over 60,000 people attended the event from over 160 countries, including over 20,000 companies, 1,300 investors and 2,200 international journalists. Speakers include the founders and CEOs of the world's largest tech companies as well as political leaders and major sports, fashion and music personalities. In less than 6 years the Web Summit has grown from a small team of 3 people to a full-time team of over 150. Founders, an annual private gathering of 200 CEOs of the world's leading technology companies which happens alongside Web Summit, has been described by Bloomberg as "Davos for Geeks". Paddy graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 2006 with a BA, MA in Political Science and Economics. He worked in a number of start-ups before setting up Web Summit and founders in 2010 with Daire Hickey and David Kelly. Paddy has been listed in WIRED Magazine's 100 most important people in tech

Mélange 33 June 2018 Life Style g Grace Kelly's youth property, he expressed the home may be utilized as a historical center space or as workplaces for the family's Princess Grace Foundation. Monaco Married Life Ruler Albert wedded previous South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock on 1 July 2011. They reported their commitment on 23 June 2010. They had been seen together since 10 February Royal Family 2006, when Prince Albert was joined by Wittstock to the opening function of the Torino Olympics. They were seen again together at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Prince and Wittstock went to the Albert-II Prince of Monaco opening function of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and both the "Bal de la Rose", and Princess Grace Awards Gala in 2009. They additionally went to & Chalene Wittstock the opening function of the Vancouver Olympics. As a couple, they likewise went to the wedding of Crown Princess Melange Team Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling in Stockholm four days before their own particular commitment was reported and the Albert II (Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi; born 14 wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine March 1958) is the authoritative ruler of the Principality of Monaco Middleton on 29 April 2011. The wedding occurred more than two and leader of the royal place of Grimaldi. He is the child of Prince days: the common wedding service occurred on 1 July 2011, trailed by Rainier III and the American performing artist Grace Kelly. Ruler the religious function on 2 July 2011. On 30 May 2014, it was reported Albert's sisters are Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and Princess by the Prince's Palace of Monaco that Princess Charlene was Stéphanie. In July 2011, Prince Albert wedded Charlene Wittstock. pregnant, with the couple later declaring Charlene was expecting Sovereign Albert II is one of the wealthiest royals on the planet, with twins. The twins, Gabriella Thérèse Marie, Countess of Carladès and resources esteemed at more than $1 billion, which incorporate land in Jacques Honoré Rainier, Hereditary Prince of Monaco were Monaco and France. Despite the fact that Prince Albert does not conceived on 10 December 2014. possess the Prince's Palace of Monaco, he owns shares in the Société Childern in the line of Succession des bains de mer de Monaco, which works Monaco's clubhouse and On 10 December 2014, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene other stimulation properties in the realm. respected their first and second kid, twins Gabriella Thérèse Marie Personal Life and Relationship and Jacques Honoré Rainier. The twins were born at Princess Grace Preceding Albert's marriage, there was much dialog of his Hospital in La Colle, Monaco. Jacques, as his dad's beneficiary ceaseless single guy status. In spite of the fact that he had gotten much obvious, bears the titles Hereditary Prince of Monaco and Marquis of press consideration for dating surely understood design models and Baux while Albert has conceded Gabriella the title of Countess of performing artists, his clear reluctance to wed offered ascend to bits Carladès. of gossip that he was gay. Ruler Albert has reliably precluded Sports Career proposals from claiming homosexuality, most eminently in a 1994 Albert was an excited sportsman, taking part in cross meeting distributed in the French magazine Madame Figaro. "At first country, lance tossing, handball, judo, swimming, it was interesting", he stated, "however it turns out to be extremely tennis, paddling, cruising, skiing, squash and fencing. disturbing in the long haul to hear individuals say that I am He is a benefactor of Monaco's football group, homosexual". In July 2011, Prince A l b e r t w e d d e d A S Monaco. Charlene Wittstock. In October 2005, the German magazine Bunte announced that Prince Albert Albert contended in the was dating Telma Ortiz Rocasolano, a bobsleigh at five back to sister-in-law of the Prince of Asturias back Winter Olympics for (who is currently the ruler of Spain). Be Monaco, partaking in that as it may, in November 2005, the Prince both the two-man and trained his legal advisor, Thierry Lacoste, four-man occasions. t o i n i t i a t e l e g i t i m a t e p r o c e d u r e s In the two-man against the French daily paper F r a n c e bobsleigh Albert Dimanche for infringement of protection and completed 25th f a l s e d a t a i n regard to the story. at the 1988 In 2016, Albert obtained recreations in his mom's youth house in Calgary, 43rd t h e E a s t at the 1992 F a l l s diversions in region of Albertville, Philadel and 31st at the p h i a . 2002 amusements. A f t e r I n t h e f o u r- m a n procurin b o b s l e i g h A l b e r t

Mélange 34 June 2018 Life Style completed 27th in 1992, 26th at Franco-Monegasque Treaty, as the Monegasque position of 1954. Rainier was appealed to the 1994 amusements in per which the Principality of authority, which they would have unsuccessfully for a long time by Lillehammer, and 28th at both Monaco would turn into a generally lost upon the demise of Virginia McKenna, organizer of the 1998 recreations in Nagano protectorate of the French Prince Rainier. Under the present the Born Free Foundation, to and the 2002 diversions in Salt Republic. Preceding 2002, constitution neither Jazmin nor discharge a couple of panthers at Lake City. Albert was Monaco's Monaco's constitution stipulated Alexandre are in the line of the zoo. Sovereign Albert met flag bearer at the 1988, 1994, and that lone the last ruling ruler's progression as they are not McKenna after his promotion to 1998 Winter Olympics. Albert "immediate and honest to Prince Albert's true-blue kids, the position of royalty and has been an individual from the goodness" relatives could acquire and he stressed their ineligibility consented to discharge the I n t e r n a t i o n a l O l y m p i c the crown. On 2 April 2002, to acquire the position of royalty panthers too the zoo's hippo and Committee since 1985, and his Monaco proclaimed Princely in articulations affirming his camel. Expedition to Antarctica: maternal granddad, John B. Kelly Law 1.249, which gives that if an paternity. Monegasque law In January 2009, Prince Albert Sr., and maternal uncle, John B. authoritative ruler bites the dust stipulates that any non-adulterine l e f t f o r a m o n t h - l o n g Kelly Jr., were both Olympic without surviving honest to youngster is legitimized by the undertaking to Antarctica, where medalists in paddling. goodness issue, the honored possible marriage of his/her he went by 26 logical stations and Albert took part in the 1985 position goes to his true-blue kin folks, immediately getting the met with environmental change Paris–Dakar Rally, but did not and their genuine relatives of rights to which, that kid would specialists trying to take in more finish it. He also became a judo both genders, as per the guideline have been entitled if conceived in about the effect of a worldwide black belt. o f m a l e - i n c l i n a t i o n legitimate marriage. Along these temperature alteration on the Succession Issues primogeniture. Following lines Alexandre would have mainland. During the trip he As Rainier III's wellbeing Albert's increase, this law turned into Monaco's beneficiary stopped at the South Pole, declined, his child's absence of produced full results when obvious under current law if making him the only incumbent real kids turned into a matter of approved by France, as per the Albert somehow managed to head of state to have visited both open and political concern Franco-Monegasque Treaty wed his child's mom. Yet, in a poles. attributable to the lawful and managing relations between the 2005 trade with American Awards universal results. Had Prince Principality of Monaco and its columnist Larry King, Albert In 1996, Prince Albert got Albert kicked the bucket without neighbor. Ruler Albert's sisters expressed this would not occur. the Eagle Award from the United legal beneficiaries, it would have and their real youngsters in this Other Activities States Sports Academy. The activated Article 3 of the 1918 way held the privilege to acquire Year of the Dolphin: The Eagle Award is the Academy's year 2007 was proclaimed as most astounding global respect (International) Year of the and was granted to Prince Albert Dolphin by the United Nations for his critical commitments in a n d U n i t e d N a t i o n s advancing universal congruity, E n v i r o n m e n t P r o g r a m . peace and generosity through the Sovereign Albert filled in as the viable utilization of game. International Patron of the In October 2017, Prince "Time of the Dolphin", saying Albert got the Lowell Thomas

"The Year of the Dolphin gives Award from The Explorers me the chance to recharge my Club, a non-benefit assemble strong duty towards securing t h a t a d v a n c e s l o g i c a l marine biodiversity. With this investigation. The honor is solid activity we can have any exhibited by the President of the kind of effect to spare these Club on uncommon events to interesting marine warm- gatherings of extraordinary blooded creatures from the edge wayfarers. The Club referred to of eradication." Prince Albert's devotion to the Jardin Animalier: The security of the earth, and that he Zoological Garden of Monaco was the principal head of state to ( J a r d i n A n i m a l i e r ) w a s achieve both the North and established by Prince Rainier in South posts

Mélange 35 June 2018 World Leader President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca

Melange Team measures, for example, the arrangement of full annuity to widow in work, and the provision of a child supplement to address child President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, is the current head of the poverty, spurred by their school participation, wellbeing registration state and the ninth President of the Republic of Malta. Nominated and association in culture or games. by the House of Representatives of Malta for a five-year term, she As Minister, Coleiro Preca tabled a few laws, including the Act took an oath to "save, secure and safeguard" the Constitution. At 55 on the Protection of Children, as a feature of a Children's years old, Coleiro Preca is the youngest President of the nation, and Comprehensive Legislation, and also set up the Sexual Assault is the second female to serve as the head of the state of Malta. Response Team. Professional Experience In December 2013, together with the European Commissioner Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca committed her life to the social for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor, prosperity of the powerless in the public arena and was compelling Coleiro Preca propelled the LEAP venture. This undertaking, for successful changes in the social arrangements of Malta. which is financed by the European Social Fund, built up the Family On 13 March 2013, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was delegated Resources Centers to give administrations at the core of groups, Minister for Family and Social Solidarity. Throughout her term as with the point of executing the new Social Investment Package Minister, she brought in a variety of reforms. These key changes propelled by the European Union. started, during her term in office, incorporated those in the territory In January 2014, Coleiro Preca developed and launched, of social residence, and the establishment for a coordinated social together with the Prime Minister of Malta, Dr Joseph Muscat, the strategy in view of a community level approach, with the point of Green Paper: Structure for Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion. This establishing Family Resource Centers, and various Social Green Paper, aimed at targeting over 22,000 children to take them Development Regional Centers. out of poverty and social exclusion, as part of the whole strategy on Another change realized was the simplifications of the social poverty reduction. advantages framework, which included advantages for retirement Political Career age, people qualified for the marriage grant, persons who are eligible Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was active in politics for forty years, for the widow benefits and those qualified for the youngsters' starting at the young age of sixteen years. She served in Parliament stipend. This change was revolved around the need to dispense with for sixteen years. applications, and the resulting bureaucratic procedures to make the Inside the Labor Party, she filled in as an individual from the framework more efficient. National Executive, Assistant General Secretary and General During her term as Minister, Coleiro Preca also began the Secretary, possessing the last post from 1982 to 1991. Coleiro Preca advancement of a technique for the manageability and ampleness is the first-historically speaking, and just lady who, to date, of benefits. She began tending to the abnormalities in the benefits possessed this essential chosen position at the most astonishing calculation for previous shipyard laborers and presented various grade of a Maltese political gathering. Marie-Louise

Mélange 36 June 2018 World Leader Coleiro Preca filled in as a Member of Parliament in the House everyday life, for example, joblessness, being in danger of of Representatives from 1998 to 2014. In the General Elections of neediness, or social prohibition, to enhance their lives through 2008 and in 2013 she was the main contender to be chosen to the instruction and preparing. National Parliament, with the most number of votes. As a Member Current Projects by the President's Trust of Parliament in Opposition, she filled in as Shadow Minister for · Helping Children Overcome Challenges and Thrive (St. Social Policy, for Tourism, for the National Airline, and for the Paul's Bay project). Health Sector. · The President's Trust Employment Initiative. Major Achievements · SPARK-a youth empowerment initiative (B'Bugia). Not long after in the wake of taking office, President Coleiro · Y-Assist (Supported accommodation for young mothers). Preca built up various substances to sustain exchange and to · Adopt a Family. cultivate solidarity and a culture of constructive peace among · The Emanuele Cancer Research Foundation. individuals. · LUISS scholarships. The president's foundation for the wellbeing of · The Children's Community Centre, Marsa. society The president's secret garden The Foundation was founded on 25th June 2014. The The President's Secret Garden gives a sheltered, intelligent and Foundation is a inventive space at first of its kind in The Presidential Malta. It aims to Private Gardens at create a safe space Sant' Anton Palace, for dialogue on giving Maltese kids social wellbeing, t h e c h a n c e t o bridging popular i m p r o v e t h e i r w i s d o m w i t h identity, express academic research. their assessments T h r o u g h t h i s and feel engaged, p r o c e s s , t h e through casual Foundation works i n s t r u c t i o n . I t towards enhancing expects to cultivate h u m a n intergenerational relationships. The discourse and in F o u n d a t i o n addition support, operated through a incorporation and c o n s u l t a t i o n inclusion of kids process, through w i t h e xe r c i s e s several established, concentrating on i n c l u d i n g ; the accompanying Children, Family, k e y z o n e s , Community, Trans including self- c u l t u r a l i s m , a r t i c u l a t i o n , Interfaith, Persons with Disability, and conducts scientific research adhering to a good diet, training, sustain, decent variety, and through the following Research Entities: craftsmanship. · National Institute for Childhood National forum of trade unions · National Centre for Family Research Launched on the 23rd July 2014, The National Forum of Trade · National Observatory for Living with Dignity, Unions has its doors open for exchange among Malta's Trade · National Centre for Freedom from Addictions Unions. Such discourse empowers sharing of encounters, expecting · National Hub for Ethnobotanical Research. to discover basic answers for challenges experienced at the work The malta community chest fund foundation environment, and to guarantee the prosperity of all representatives. President Coleiro Preca was impetus, to change the National National cancer platform association Charity into the Malta Community Chest Fund as a Foundation, Officially launched on the 3rd February 2015, the National with the point of giving money related, material and expert help to Cancer Platform Association unites all the non-administrative people, families, groups, and willful associations. associations working in the field of disease, to team up with a This Foundation aims at improving the quality of life for specific end goal to guarantee an all-encompassing, coordinated individuals, without any form of discrimination on the basis of and manageable administration for all malignancy patients and their social class, gender identity, ethnicity, age, ability, health status or families. Every association is self-sufficient. While each association religion. keeps its own character and procedure, the Association gives a The president's trust chance of sharing data and basic activities. Through the President Coleiro Preca established the President's Trust on Association, individuals from associations get comfortable with the 14th May 2015. The point of the President's Trust is to energize work being done by different associations offering comparable, or powerless youngsters, encountering challenges throughout correlative administrations

Mélange 37 June 2018 International Perspective Sustainable development goals of education by UN a global documentation for Nations to pursue

vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills Leyla needed to promote sustainable development, including, among Education is a fundamental human right and is indispensable for others, through education for sustainable development and the achievement of sustainable development. We are only able to sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a empower girls, combat climate change, fight inequality and end culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and extreme poverty if all stakeholders, including business, commit appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture's contribution to themselves to advancing the education goal. While education needs sustainable development globally are immense, companies can leverage their resources and Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability core competencies to support governments in delivering on their and gender sensitive and provide safe, nonviolent, inclusive and promise of education for all. Strong leadership by business can help effective learning environments for all unlock the necessary investments to ensure quality learning By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of opportunities for all children and adults. Since 2000, there has been enormous progress in achieving the target of universal primary education. The total enrolment rate in developing regions reached 91 percent in 2015, and the worldwide number of children out of school has dropped by almost half. There has also been a dramatic increase in literacy rates, and many more girls are in school than ever before. These are all remarkable successes. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets unanimously adopted at the United Nations General Assembly Summit. Goal 4 is all about quality education and Transforming our world. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”, and its associated targets, the world have set a more ambitious universal education agenda for the period from 2015 to 2030. Every effort must be made to guarantee that, this time the goal and targets are achieved. When the targets related to these sustainable development goals of education are discussed, they are very much evident. scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least Targets developed countries, small island developing states and African’s By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and training and information and communications technology, Goal-4 effective learning outcomes technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early countries and other developing countries childhood development, care and preprimary education so that they By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, are ready for primary education including through international cooperation for teacher training in By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to developing countries, especially least developed countries and small affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, island developing states including university A case study of Pakistan By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults PAKISTAN got a score of 55.6 under SDGs' global index who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for against a far better regional average of 63.3 and is even lower than employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship regional peers Bangladesh's 56.2 and India's 58.1. As a result, the By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure country ranked 122 on the SDG index of 157 nations compared to equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the Bangladesh's 120 and India's 116 position, according to July 2017

Mélange 38 June 2018 International Perspective socio-economic issues, it is important for psychological reasons too as it helps to make you feel worthwhile, gives a boost to morale and builds confidence and perseverance. Fortunately, the Planning Commission has begun to engage provincial and development departments (P&DDs) that would serve as nodes leading to the formation of special units or SDG centers. But more important is working on the sustained capacity- building of those tasked with initiating and implementing actual work on approved development projects. Going forward, new models of public-private partnership need to be tested. Policymakers should begin by proactively engaging the private sector, research universities, think-tanks and civil society, including professional associations. The SDGs are perhaps the best vehicle to lift more than 50 million people out of poverty when they earn less than two dollars a day by enriching their lives and livelihood options. Delivering on these goals will also help enhance Pakistan's ability to emerge as one of the world's leading economies and, while doing so, strengthen national security. Education is the sole possible way through which a person can get a good job. These unequal education systems create an imbalance in society. Due to this different standard of education, the rich get richer. results. When there is a syllabus according to the financial condition of a Pakistan has expressed its commitment to promote education society then the future generation will remain same as ancestors. and literacy by education policies at national level and getting People who have resources will buy the education of high standards involved into international commitments on education. Beside the and underprivileged will remain unable to change their conditions. fact that Pakistan is lagging behind in achieving its Millennium In the education sector, Pakistan also needs to fill the gender gap. Development Goals (MDG)of education it has shown its Women are nearly the half of Pakistan's population so authorities commitment to achieve the 2030 agenda for Sustainable must concentrate on education for all women. The literacy rate isn't Development Goals (SDGs). high because half of the population which is women has only 30 In Pakistan, the SDGs have received mixed reviews. Skeptics percent ratio with regards to education. Girls can't get the education argue that if the country could not achieve the MDGs with its 40 because of early marriages, society's emphasis on girls' modesty and indicators, realising the SDGs with their 169 indicators is not over protection. Besides other problems, Pakistan must focus on realistic either. Instead, developing countries should identify goals girls' education which is as important as boys’. based on their resources and try to achieve them. But there are those COPAIR's firm belief to educate all who are optimistic that the SDGs are achievable. Federal Minister As discussed earlier, education is the basic need to progress and for Planning, Development and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal has stated develop but women's education is far more important and can be that “Pakistan has accorded the highest priority to achieving the really helpful to alter so many issues around. Center of Pakistan and goals which will enable us to join the league of upper middle class International Relations (COPAIR), is committed with the vision of countries by 2030”. SDG 4 prioritises equitable quality education empowering women of Pakistan through E-education under the and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal has umbrella of E-Women initiative. Launching of Schools in Sargodha seven targets and three means for implementation, covering all and Shah Allah Ditta, is also part of the education initiatives been levels of education; from early childhood, primary to secondary, taken by COPAIR. There are several other technical training and technical vocational for decent jobs, and university through formal, skills programs being conducted from this platform to cope with the non-formal and technology enabled channels, conducive learning global trends of education. These major initiatives reflect the deep environments, adequacy of trained teachers and opportunities for commitment of COPAIR to support girls' education as a human scholarships to pursue continuous learning. While the federal and rights issue and as a breakthrough strategy for human development the provincial governments have been adopting a number of and peace. The vision of this particular platform is to standardize the measures to uplift the status of education, there are still education system in Pakistan in terms of curriculum, teaching, impediments that are keeping the masses from reaping the benefits. classroom environment and school facilities. Realizing the growing Pakistan needs an extensive educational reform which must begin need and demands of modern education system COPAIR is aimed with a policy reform that tackles the chronic under-investment in to introduce ICT in all schools in the country. Education is a two- the education sector. Adding to that, the government and the private prong sector it deals with material resources, but is also intertwined sector must work as partners to provide quality education especially with hearts and minds. Pakistan cannot be transformed into a primary education to all the school going citizens. It is a long-term country with a high literacy rate through legislatures on paper and process which requires effort from each one of us as individuals too, fancy playgrounds. What it needs is vision and this is what the crux of to work towards a quality education system along with providing the COPAIR'S education program youth with hope, our undivided attention, and unwavering belief in their potential. Education is not only crucial for mitigating the The writer is Head of International Affairs Desk at Mélange Int’l Magazine & Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR)

Mélange 39 June 2018 Infocus 'Cyber Security Girls Scouts' Matching Global Trends a n d n a t u r a l resources for development. Unemployment rat Dr. Lubna Umar e in Pakistan remained unch anged at 5.90 percent in 2 0 1 6 The foremost problem the world is facing today is from 5.90 percent in 2015. Unemployme unemployment. The ratio of unemployment is increasing rapidly nt rate in Pakistan averaged 5.47 percent from 1985 until 2016, due to lack of resources and in result so many crimes are reaching an all-time high of 7.80 percent in 2002 and a record low of automatically increase. Pakistan the Asian country has plenty of 3.10 percent in 1987. problems in these days and unemployment is one of those. According to the short-term IMF forecast, Pakistan's economy Unemployment causes numerous problems for people of nation. was bound to grow at 5 percent in fiscal year 2017 and 5.2 percent in Pakistan has countless natural resources but problem is that fiscal year 2018. The Fund also projects a slight increase in resources are being wasted since the independence of Pakistan in unemployment ratio from the 6 percent to 6.1 percent in the year 1947. You may find many graduates, masters, IT experts, engineers 2018. This ratio was 5.9 percent in fiscal year 2015, much higher than and doctors wandering around for job opportunities due to a the 5 percent considered by economists as 'full employment'. skewed employment system. People of Pakistan are considered Women in the workforce hold the key to a vibrant economy. h i g h l y t a l e n t e d a n d Though Pakistan has seen a hardworking in the world turnaround in economic and there is no value of s t a b i l i t y b u t w i t h o u t talent in Pakistan therefore, women's participation in the it is the reason many of workforce, accelerated e n g i n e e r s , d o c t o r s , growth will be a challenge. Scientists, technicians and Despite a slow increase in accountants travel in foreign the last 16 years, a mere 22 countries to earn their p e r c e n t o f w o m e n livelihood. (compared to 67.8 percent The International Labor of men) officially partake in Organization (ILO) has some economic activity in warned that the growth rate Pakistan. This is one of the of the available work force lowest rates of female shall exceed the rate of job labour force's participation creation globally. Million in the region, second only to more people will become A f g h a n i s t a n . B y unemployed in 2018. A comparison, in Vietnam and further increase to the Bangladesh, the female figures carried over from 2016 to 2017, a period in which the ILO labour force's participation rate is 73 percent and 36 percent, has estimated that the global unemployment rate will rise from 5.7 to respectively, and women are recognised as a key economic force. 5.8 percent. The increase in unemployment levels in 2017 is caused Low female labour force participation has clear implications for by the deterioration of labor market conditions in emerging accelerated economic growth in Pakistan. A 2016 IMF paper countries. The effects of various deep recessions that took place in estimates that closing gender gaps in economic participation could 2016 have affected and will continue to affect the current labor boost GDP in Pakistan by up to 30 percent. Beyond smart markets, according to the report titled 'World Employment and economics, closing gaps between men and women, girls and boys Social Outlook – Trends 2017'(WESO) prepared by the ILO. has intrinsic value for the cycle it creates for gains in families, Economic growth has picked up in Pakistan to respectable communities and national economies. levels but is still unable to absorb the rising number of job-seekers In the contemporary world women participation in every aspect entering the labour market. The unemployment rate in Pakistan is of work is phenomenal despite facing hindrances in society. Women on the rise, depriving a large part of the population of its livelihood constitute half of Pakistan's population and their contribution has and preventing the harnessing of real potential of both manpower been remarkable in every facet of life however their vitality and

Mélange 40 June 2018 Infocus potential has never been fully realized in the past 70 years after to economic resources for contributing to growth. Though in independence. Pakistan women labor force participation is low and centers in the In such a scenario there was an urgent need to enhance gender divided labor markets which show gender inequality. Women capabilities of the women of Pakistan in order to make them more are provided less education and training, almost no entrance to independent economically and certainly to give their share in credit, vulnerability to claim their property, hard business country's financial growth. If you think being a Girl Scout is all registration strategies, and challenging entry in business networks. camping, crafting, and cooking, you need to think again. For the first Women skills should be expedited on a platform. Women potential time in Pakistan, millions of Girl Scouts nationwide are taking on are needed to be shown in a developing country like Pakistan, having hacking and cybercrime as they work towards earning under the burden of billions of loan to repay. Both men and women efforts umbrella of Center of Pakistan and International Relations and determinations are required to become a developed nation. In (COPAIR). A curriculum will be prepared to educate young girls our society women who are participating in the economy are not about the basics of computer networks, cyber attacks, and online that respected in comparison to women holding only domestic safety. The purpose and goal of Cyber Security Girls' Scouts' activities. Strategies must be implemented so that women can show initiative by COPAIR is to prevent cyber attacks and restore trust in their potentials at both indoor and outdoor level. Even house wives digital operations by training “tomorrow's diverse and innovative ought to be urged to demonstrate their potential by including team of problem solvers equipped to counter emerging cyber themselves in creative activities. Women willing to do job outside threats as well as to empower the girls both economically and home should be given security and esteem in our society. socially. Another very important aspect of this girls' scouts' initiative Cyber security girl's scouts' initiative by COPAIR is certainly is to instill “a valuable 21st century skill set” in girls of Pakistan. going to just make girls feel empowered. Earlier E-Women As the cyberspace is expanding, there are more chances of campaign by COPAIR has got much appreciation across the cyber-attacks in Pakistan. The yearly loss to the global economy in country and even around the globe. E-Women, is a platform to train the year 2017 was Rs49.8 trillion. In 2019 it is expected that this loss and empower women in order to make them participate in

For the first time in Pakistan, millions of Girl Scouts nationwide are taking on hacking and cyber crime as they work towards earning under the umbrella of Center of Pakistan and International Relations(COPAIR)

will increase to Rs221 trillion. In order to fight against this, a economic activity being part of a family. Women remain vastly collective effort is required. underrepresented in the cyber security industry, holding just 11 Today, everything on the internet can be hacked. In this context, percent of jobs globally. In our increasingly tech-driven world, the most vulnerable sector in Pakistan, where data security against future generations must possess the skills to navigate the fraud attempts is as fragile as a cobweb, is banking, a moot on cyber complexities and inherent challenges of the cyber realm, and this is security was told. US-based IT research company, Gartner, Inc., says what cyber security girls' scouts tends to do. Gender equality is a that there are now 6.4 billion connected devices globally and by 2020 basic human right and women empowerment is a critical aspect of this figure will balloon to 20.8 billion. Similarly, Russian cyber achieving gender equality. Whether its E-Women Campaign or security company, Kaspersky Lab, states that the next world war will Cyber Security Girls' Scouts initiative, COPAIR is involved in be a cyber war. setting new rules for women empowerment in Pakistan. To build open doors for women in economy, they should have Women's empowerment and economic development are closely an entrance to better occupations, a business domain that backing interrelated. While development itself will bring about women's them in working together, access to financial sector that address empowerment, which will bring about changes in decision-making, their issues, and job security in the midst of emergencies. To ensure which will have a direct impact on development. Empowering legitimate rights of women, and to ensure that their voices are heard women has dual benefits, first to the women and second to the are critical components of strengthening women empowerment. society. When we empower a woman, actually we empower a nation. Economically empowered women have more contribution to their When women have rights of education, skills, knowledge, health families, societies and national economies. Women should be and jobs, their hidden potential will be utilized and both males and provided skills, resources and equal access to economic institutions. females will work together for the betterment of the society Women ought to have the ability to settle on and follow up on financial choices. Employment and education opportunities for The author is the Editor of ‘Mélange’ and ‘ The Asian Telegraph’ women diminish household poverty. Women should be given access & Research Associate Center of Pakistan & International Relations

Mélange 41 June 2018 Diplomatic Corner LOOK AFRICA POLICY INITIATIVE Commerce, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Board of Investment, Department of Plant Protection etc. The Conference has been organized under Look Africa Policy Initiative of Ministry of Commerce. H.E Mohammad Pervaiz Malik, Amna Malik Minister for Commerce and Textile, Islamic Republic of Pakistan emphasized that Pakistan and Kenya have been enjoying cordial H.E Dr. Monica Juma, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs business and trade relations. The trade volume of two countries and International Trade, Republic of Kenya was in Islamabad on a stood at US$ 748.37Million in 2016-17 however, both countries historic visit to Pakistan to inaugurate the newly built Kenyan High need to focus on the opportunities to diversify trade. Main Commission at the Diplomatic Enclave. She also held meetings commodities traded are rice and tea. The two commodities with officials of the country. This was her first visit to Pakistan after dominate the total trade with rest of the products having little share. assuming charge as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya earlier Pakistan is the largest importer of Kenyan tea in the world.

this year. Ms Juma possesses significant experience of serving at the Similarly, Kenya is also biggest buyer of Pakistan rice. H.E Dr. highest and at the most prestigious positions. During her visit to Monica Juma, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Pakistan, she met with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abassi and International Trade, Republic of Kenya elaborated that Kenya with Foreign Secretary Ms Tehmina Janjua to discuss bilateral ties desires to have close economic partnership with Pakistan and she and to take the bilateral relationship forward. has delivered the message of President Uhuru Kenyatta to Pakistan During the meetings, both sides discussed bilateral matters, and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in this regard. G2G regional and international issues of mutual concern. The visiting interaction is very important and Kenya welcomes Look Africa Foreign Minister also deliberated over measures that could enhance Policy of Pakistan and Pakistan should get advantage of being and diversify bilateral trade and improve economic relations. It is among first movers to Africa being the continent of the future. important to note here that Prime Minister Abassi met with the Secretary TDAP explained efforts under Look Africa Policy President of Kenya on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads Initiative and informed that TDAP will organize Single Country of Government meeting in the UK earlier this month. Exhibition in Kenya in August 2018 and Additional Secretary The Kenyan foreign minister's visit is a significant step in (Trade Diplomacy) of Pakistan proposed that Pakistan Institute of promoting bilateral relations between Kenya and Pakistan. Both Fashion Design could collaborate and train Kenyan students and states enjoy friendly ties with each other that span several decades Faculty. Both sides agreed on formation of Joint Trade and and are based on deeply rooted historical ties. While having similar Investment Committee and decided that its first meeting will be views on different global issues, both states support and cooperate hosted by Kenya in Nairobi in mid July 2018, the JTC will meet with each other in various fields such as trade, investment, twice a year. Market access under Kenya Pakistan PTA will be education, counter terrorism, tourism, cultural diplomacy and discussed in JTC. The two sides will work to start direct flight wildlife. between Nairobi and Karachi on weekly basis. Both countries will H.E Dr. Monica Juma, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs have Joint Ventures in Agriculture, textile, surgical and and International Trade, Republic of Kenya and H.E Mohammad pharmaceutical sectors. The Conference continued on 2-3rd May Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Commerce and Textile, Islamic 2018 and Kenyan delegates visits to textile and leather factories and Republic of Pakistan co-chaired the conference and had a meeting agro processing units were arranged by Trade Development on 2nd May, 2018 at Karachi. Around 40 delegates from public and Authority of Pakistan on 4th May 2018. The conference and visit private sector of Kenya and H.E Joseph Bitok, High Commissioner were jointly organized by Governments of Pakistan and Kenya of Kenya and diplomats, attended the conference along with over Author is the President, Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) and 150 Pakistani businessmen and officials from Ministry of Editor-in-Chief of ‘Mélange’ and ‘ The Asian Telegraph’

Mélange 42 June 2018 Diplomatic Corner Counter-Terrorism Strategy to Benefit Central Asia

Melange Team in a strategic basis. Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Voronkov noted that the main The High-Level Meeting "Towards a Comprehensive activities of the project will include the provision of targeted Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in support in the development of national and regional strategies to Central Asia" was held in Ashgabat, and the third phase of a joint combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism, further project supporting the Joint Action Plan for Central Asia (SAP) was strengthening the capacity of the Central Asian countries in the launched. priority areas identified in the SAP for Central Asia and facilitating The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the exchange of best practices in the region and beyond. Turkmenistan and the United Nations Regional Center for Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), with the Turkmenistan Rasit Meredow stated about Turkmenistan's further participation of the UN Under-Secretary-General, Head of the UN readiness to offer cooperation with the UNFC on the Counter-Terrorism Department Vladimir Voronkov, the Special implementation of the Ashgabat Action Plan of the UN Counter- Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Central Asia, the Terrorism Strategy. In this context, the Turkmen side made a Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive diplomacy for number of concrete proposals in this direction using the UNRCCA. Central Asia Natalia Herman, deputy foreign ministers of the In turn, Ms. Herman noted that in accordance with her mandate in Central Asian states, as well as UN regional structures. the field of regional and preventive diplomacy, UNRCCA will As is known, the first and second phases of the project were jointly implement this initiative and promote regional and cross- implemented in the period 2010-2017 and were devoted to the border cooperation in preventing violent extremism and combating consideration of four main directions of the Global Strategy for terrorism in coordination with other regional partners active in this drawing up recommendations on the development of SAP, which is field in Central Asia. the first of its kind and was adopted in Ashgabat in December 2011. At the end of the forum, a Statement was adopted following the In the long term, it is expected that the new phase of the joint results of the High-level Meeting 'Towards a Comprehensive regional counter-terrorism initiative of UNRCCA and the UNCCT, Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in entitled "Towards a comprehensive implementation of the UN Central Asia'. At the end of the meeting, a press conference was held Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia", will be aimed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan for foreign at further strengthening the capacity of the Central Asian states in journalists, accredited in Ashgabat and representatives of the the field of combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism national media

Mélange 43 June 2018 Diplomatic Corner Peace on the Korean Peninsula and President Moon Jae-In as the Peacemaker aboard the SS Meredith Victory, a US ship which evacuated 100,000 refugees from Hungnam during the Korean War. Being a student protester, he was jailed after taking part in prodemocracy rallies against the dictatorship in the 1970s. Then he became a human right Mr. Sung-Kyu Kwak lawyer. Last year he was elected as new Korean president through the so called “candle revolution”. His leadership was based upon the At 5 am, Pakistan local time, of April 27th, I was already awake. people's power which successfully achieved impeachment of the Being surprised and awed, I watched the young North Korean corrupt and incapable president Park without any blood-shed. leader, Kim Jong Un, shake hands with South Korean President Foreign media appraised president Moon Jae-in as “a masterful Moon Jae-in and cross the Military Demarcation Line. I believe, just dealmaker” (CNN), “the master tactician who could be bringing as I did, all the world including 80 million Korean people may have Trump and Kim to the summit table” (SCMP), “a leader who turned been touched and thrilled by the historic inter-Korea summit Trump's North Korea policy upside down with a master class in meeting at the truce village of Panmunjeom. It was the first time in diplomacy” (VOX) and more. Even before his inauguration, he almost 6.5 decades the North Korean leader set his foot on the advocated peaceful engagements with North Korea. As president South Korean soil. he offered a peace One of the most overture in his speech fascinating scenes in Berlin last July. was of the two leaders P r e s i d e n t M o o n walking along Foot capitalized on the Bridge, sitting on a Pyeongchang Winter bench at the end and Olympic to ease talking privately, with tensions with North cameras filming from Korea and bring far away, only picking detent mood on the up sounds of wind Korean Peninsula. and birds. His sincerity paid off, After the one- m o v i n g N o r t h day-long summit Korean leader to a meeting, the two dialogue. leaders signed the Despite such a P a n m u n j e o m great contribution, he Declaration, in which i s a s c r i b i n g t h e they declared “no success to president more war on the Trump and North Korean Peninsula” Korean leader. He and “a new era of t o l d “ p r e s i d e n t peace” . The South Trump should win and North Korea agreed to completely cease all hostile acts against the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace.” What a humble each other, to pursue a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through posture he has! Now we are expecting another summit meeting complete denuclearization, to turn armistice into a peace treaty, to between the United States and North Korea in May. Before and at establish joint liaison office in Gaeseong and to encourage more the US-North Korea summit, president Moon has been and will play cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts at all levels, to take only very constructive mediating roles between the two leaders. We are several points. Unquestionably, it was president Moon Jae-in who really looking forward to seeing the summit meetings lead to convinced North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to his strategic complete denuclearization, ushering in reconciliation, ever-lasting determination of coming to a dialogue with South Korea and the peace, stability on the Korean Peninsula and co-prosperity of the United States. Korean people as a whole But who exactly is president Moon, peacemaker? He was born into a North Korean refugee parent. They were among the refugees The writer is Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

Mélange 44 June 2018 Diplomatic Corner Celebrating Europe Day Europe Day, observed on May 9 each year, marks the presentation of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, the forerunner to the European Union (EU). The European Union and its member states in Pakistan celebrated Europe Day with the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage with a 'Euro village' set up in Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) aiming at promoting the European culture and values. Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Jean-François Cautain recalled that the reason the EU was organising a Euro village with participation from the member states was “to remind every one of the EU's cultural richness while also underlining our unity”

Mélange 43 June 2018 Diplomatic Corner Philippines National Day One of the most significant dates in Philippines' history is the Independence Day because it marks the nation's independence from Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. A series of celebrations are being conducted by the Philippines to mark its 120th anniversary. The Majestic 120th National Day of Philippines was hosted by Ambassador of the Philippines Daniel R. Espiritu. The Chief guest of the occasion was Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Baligh-ur-Rehman. President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sheikh Amir Waheed and officials from diplomatic community were also gathered to grace the occasion

Mélange 44 June 2018 Diplomatic Corner 100th Anniversary of Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizada hosted a glittering and well attended reception on the 100th National Day of Republic of Azerbaijan. The chief guest of the occasion was Federal Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, while other dignitaries including President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sheikh Amir Waheed, National Security Advisor Lt. General (R) Naseer Khan Janjua and many other from diplomatic community were also graced the event

Mélange 45 June 2018 Melange Special Report Portugal Rising to Power in EU & Beyond

Melange Team serve as a peace broker, a bridge-builder and a promoter of reform and innovation. Portugal a member of European Union, located in South- Mainland Portugal, along with the autonomous island regions of the Western Europe on the Iberian Peninsula is one of the world's most Azores and Madeira, offers American exporters a market of globalized and peaceful nations. Portugal is a pleasant weather approximately 10.6 million people in a country roughly the size of nation, has a diverse landscape and presents a spectacular scenery the State of Indiana. As an individual from the European Union for its visitors. Portuguese are friendly, warmth, gentle and generous (EU) and the Euro Zone, it is completely coordinated with the EU, in spirit. Refreshingly, the family is still central to the Portuguese way utilizes the euro money, and takes after mandates from the of life and takes a prominent position and priority for them. European Commission in Brussels. Likewise, with all EU nations, Portuguese cuisine has many Mediterranean influences, especially Portugal's outskirts and ports are totally open to the free stream of seafood is one of the famous and most loved food. The influence of exchange with other EU part nations. Portugal has a politically Portugal's former colonial possessions is also notable, especially in stable condition with a justly chose parliamentary government and the wide variety of spices used. is inviting of remote business and venture. In this inviting country you will discover radiant mountains and Portugal rose up out of an expanded monetary emergency and perpetual shorelines washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the sun. One effectively finished its European Union-IMF bailout program in will likewise discover royal residences that seem to have come out of 2014, enrolling moderate development, and diminishing, however a fairy tale. Portugal is home to a number of notable leading still high, joblessness in 2014-2016. The auxiliary changes executed companies with worldwide reputations. It was ranked 46th in the since 2011 have made a financial and administrative atmosphere that World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2016- is positive to remote speculation which remains a need 2017. The Portuguese Third concentrating on specialty areas of Republic is a Semi-Presidential Portugal rose up out of an expanded the economy, for example, system. On 24 January 2016, tourism, sustainable power source, Rebelo de Sousa was elected as monetary emergency and effectively finished excellent mechanical parts, President of Portugal. Unlike its European Union-IMF bailout program in innovation administrations, and other European presidents, the 2014, enrolling moderate development, and esteem included agrarian items. Portuguese President Marcelo diminishing, however still high, joblessness U.S. Registration information Rebelo de Sousa is quite powerful. in 2014-2016. shows that Portuguese buyers The Portuguese President enjoys purchased roughly $947 million enormous influence and control, particularly in the fields of dollars of U.S. products and enterprises in 2016, a slight increment national security and external strategy. contrasted and 2015. Amid that same period, U.S. imports of António Luís Santos da Costa, a Portuguese lawyer and Portuguese products and enterprises were $3.2 billion, like 2015. politician is serving as Portuguese Prime Minister. As head of The best U.S. states sending out to Portugal were Indiana, Texas, government, the Prime Minister facilitates the activities of priests, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey. Top U.S. trades speaks to the Government of Portugal to alternate assortments of included transportation gear, oil and gas items, horticultural items state, is responsible to Parliament and keeps the President informed. and hardware parts. The Prime Minister can hold the part of head of government with The United States is Portugal's biggest exchanging accomplice the arrangement of at least one services. outside the European Union. The aggregate sum of U.S. Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres was merchandise sold into Portugal is without a doubt higher than the officially appointed as the Secretary General United Nations in measurements reflect, as evaluation information does not represent October 2016. Guterres was Portugal's Prime Minister from 1995 to U.S. items imported into other EU nations and in this way 2002 and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. transported into Portugal available to be purchased. It is basic all Guterres beat out 12 other candidates, seven of whom were women, through the European Union for products to be dispatched to one amid a push for the first woman to be elected. He aimed to have EU area – frequently to exploit bring down esteem included duty gender parity among senior U.N. leadership within his five-year rates – and afterward to be dispersed by ground transport to term. Having witnessed the suffering of the most vulnerable people neighboring part state markets. on earth, in refugee camps and in war zones, the Secretary-General Portugal shipped US$62.2 billion worth of goods around the globe is determined to make human dignity the core of his work, and to in 2017, presenting a 11.7% uptick from 2016 to 2017. Based on

Mélange 48 June 2018 Melange Special Report estimates from the Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook, on the Iberian Peninsula with the launch of the StartUp Visa. Portugal's exported goods plus services represent 42.9% of total StartUP Visa is a residence visa for non-EU-Schenghen startup Portuguese economic output or Gross Domestic Product. founders who want to be part of one of the fastest developing The following export product groups represent the highest startup communities in Europe. The process is managed by trhe dollar value in Portuguese global shipments during 2017. Also Institute to Support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises shown is the percentage share each export category represents in (IAPMEI) and involves the National Network of Incubators spread terms of overall exports from Portugal. Portugal's top 10 exports out throughout the whole territory which ensures that the newly accounted for 56.3% of the overall value of its global shipments. established business will kick off next to a community of Portugal's tourism boom has made the industry one of the biggest entrepreneurs already hacking in the ecosystem and acquainted with contributors to the national economy and the largest employer, with all the in's and out's of the Portuguese and European markets. almost 1 million direct and indirect jobs. Portugal has long been Pakistan and Portugal have been making efforts to cement bilateral popular for its beaches, historic sites and golf courses, but tourism relations and cooperation in diversified sectors especially, through has broken records in the past few years after government and parliamentary and diplomatic means. Both the countries have also businesses looked to the sector as an engine of growth after the extended warm sentiments by supporting each other's cause on 2011-14 debt crisis. international forums. According to Gloria Guevara, the president of the WTTC, In this regard, leadership of both the countries have been Portugal was already in the top five most-visited countries in making tremendous efforts to promote economic and trade Europe, and now “they should make sure that they continue as one cooperation. Higher level parliamentary and diplomatic exchanges of the top five”. Portugal has been spared the bloody attacks seen in have proved helpful in bringing people and governments of both neighboring European countries and benefited as violence and the countries closer. Last year, Ambassador of the Portugal, Joao political unrest deter visitors from parts of the eastern Paulo Marques Sabido Costa held a detailed discussion with Speaker Mediterranean and north Africa. With Portugal starting to muscle National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to explore more avenues for into the ranks of Europe's most popular destinations, tourism bilateral cooperation. The speaker said that Pakistan attached industry urged the country to adopt measures to avoid problems of immense importance to Portugal and wanted to take the existing so-called overtourism seen in cities warm relations between the two countries including Barcelona. That includes to new heights through parliamentary and investment on infrastructure such as economic cooperation. potentially a new Lisbon airport. Portugal's Parliamentarians of both the countries tourism sector was set to grow further, due could play an important role in bringing to a very rich culture, amazing gastronomy, both the nations closer. Pak-Portugal and its geographic position with a long Friendship Group in National Assembly coastline and sunny climate. This is evident has been revived which has extended from the fact that Portugal won the top parliamentary support in facilitating the destination spot in the 2017 World Travel Portuguese business community, if Awards after the number of foreign required. Joao Paulo Marques Sabido tourists jumped 12 percent to 12.7 million. Including domestic Costa thanked the Speaker for his kind words and said that his tourists, the total is about 21 million. country also attached immense importance to Pakistan and wants to In 2012, Portugal approved special legislation designed to attract revitalize bilateral relations. foreign investment, by offering a fast way for property investors Portugal strongly desires to enhance its parliamentary relations (non EU citizens) to receive a residence permit, making it a apart from cooperation in other fields. He conveyed an invitation to privileged entry into Europe and allowing such permit holders free the Pakistani Speaker from the Portuguese Speaker to visit Portugal. circulation in Schengen countries. On September the 2nd, 2015, In current year, 2nd round of Pakistan-Portugal Bilateral new amendments were added to the procedures that allow, through Consultations was held in February where the two sides discussed investment, obtaining the residence permit known as the Golden the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including in the spheres of Visa. it is possible to apply for this visa through one of the politics, economy, energy, agriculture, culture, education, consular investment options; Capital transfer in the amount equal to or cooperation, parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people greater than 1.000.000 Euros; Create, at least, 10 new jobs; Property contacts. Pakistani side was led by Secretary (Europe) Zaheer A. acquisition in the amount equal to or greater than 500.000 Euros; Janjua, while the Portuguese delegation was headed by Ambassador Acquisition of property over 30 years old or property located in Pedro Sanchez Da Costa Pereira, Director General for Foreign urban renewal areas with rehabilitation works totaling the amount Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Avenues were explored to boost equal to or greater than 350.000 Euros; Capital transfer in the cooperation in the fields of trade and investment. The Portuguese amount equal to or exceeding 350 000 Euros to public or private side was briefed on Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and national institutions for scientific research; Capital transfer in the sacrifices, which were deeply appreciated. Views were also amount equal to or exceeding 250.000 Euros for investment or exchanged on regional and global issues of mutual interest, support for artistic production, recuperation or maintenance of including peace and security in the respective regions. The two sides national cultural heritage; Capital transfer in the amount equal to or expressed satisfaction at their ongoing cooperation at the UN and exceeding 500.000 Euros for the purchase of shares in mutual in other multilateral fora and agreed to continue to support each investment funds for investment in small and medium enterprises. other's candidatures. The Portuguese delegation also called on Portugal is looking to attract foreign entrepreneurs to live and work Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua. The Foreign Secretary noted

Mélange 49 June 2018 Melange Special Report with satisfaction the close and friendly relations between the two federation of commerce Abdul Rauf Alam in Lisbon-Portugal. countries, which had strengthened over the years. Highlighting the The forum organized a number of business delegations from achievements of the government, the Foreign Secretary briefed on Pakistan to Portugal and Portugal to Pakistan. A high-level business the improved security situation, economic revival and increased delegation 2016-2017, visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce investments in the country. and industry and signed MoU with the leading groups of trade and The Portuguese side appreciated Pakistan's efforts for Investment. FPCCI and ICCI sent delegation to a Lisbon-Portugal promoting peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan, relations with and signed MoU with their counter parts and established their Iran, China and India, and human rights violations in the Indian branch and trade offices and Industry in Lisbon. Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. To institutionalize the consultations AICEP is a government business entity, created in 2007, focused framework, an MoU on Bilateral on encouraging the best foreign companies Consultations between the Foreign to invest in Portugal. This is done through Ministries of the Islamic Republic of agreements that are accepted as bilateral Pakistan and the Portuguese Republic was instruments containing binding measures signed during the meeting. aimed at creating more favorable Pakistan and Portugal enjoy cordial conditions for investments by investors of relations and closely cooperate bilaterally, at one signatory state in the territory of the multilateral fora as well within the EU another, ensuring more favorable treatment framework. Bilateral Consultations provide of investors and a guarantee of complete a useful platform to review progress in security and protection of investments various fields and identify opportunities for already made. Abdul Rauf Alam and Amna future cooperation. The two sides agreed to Malik along with Mr. Naseem-ur-Rehman hold the third round of Bilateral visited Lisbon Chamber of Commerce and Consultations in Lisbon at mutually Industry and the AICEP head office and convenient dates in 2019. The cordiality parliamentary friendship group for and mutual goodwill continues and the promoting commerce and trade between relations are growing from strength to two countries. Mr. Andery Mandra, strength. regional President Portugal organized In 2018, Madam Amna Malik Regional m e e t i n g s f o r A m n a M a l i k w i t h President Pakistan Portugal Business Parliamentarians including the adviser to Forum along with Governor Sindh the gender ministry to promote youth, Muhammad Zubair met with Portuguese women and media exchange programs Ambassador Dr. Joao Paulo Marques between the two countries. Mélange Sabido Costa. While talking to the Design, a Pakistan based company signed Portuguese Ambassador at the Governor Memorandum of understandings (MoU's) House, Muhammad Zubair said that, ties with LUX design Europe. Mélange between Pakistan and Portugal are Business consultancy with the support of beneficial for the region. The Governor, COPAIR launched a sideline event during however, stressed that there is need to the web-summit in Lisbon. E-Women enhance the volume of bilateral trade to another project of Pakistan signed an MoU help spur economic and commercial with another local brand to promote E- activities. He also spoke of investment Women design fashion products and opportunities in the province, including accessories in European market via energy especially wind power, agriculture, Portugal. E-Women fashion product shoot technology, infrastructure and textiles. He was also conducted in Lisbon with the also said that enhancement of bilateral collaboration of Portuguese models at the trade is in the interest of both the countries best sites of Lisbon. In February last year, as well as the peoples. He further stressed President of COPAIR Amna Malik visited that Portuguese investors can benefit from Lisbon along with the Pakistan and the conductive investment environment in the country. The envoy Portugal ambassadors for promoting trade and development as well informed the Governor that Pakistan can take benefit from the as investment between the two countries. She also spoke to the Portuguese experience for the promotion of tourism. He was of the parliament there and also had a separate meeting with the ruling view that because of GPS Plus status accorded to Pakistan by the party. She was accompanied by President FPCCI, women European Union, the access of Pakistani textile products to the parliamentarians and President PPPFG. She also extended European markets would be easier. The envoy also pointed out that invitation to president chamber of commerce and industry of Portugal meets 62 percent of its requirement from the wind energy Portugal to visit Pakistan. During the visit COPAIR signed an MoU and is ready to assist Pakistan in this very field. Pakistan- Portugal with Fashion House Lisbon. In response to her invitation Business Forum is a platform and a gateway for the Pakistani parliamentarians of Portugal as well as individuals from chamber of businessmen to Europe. The Pakistan- Portugal Business Forum commerce and industry visited Pakistan and attended the annual was formed in 2016 in Lisbon under the former President of investment conference

Mélange 50 June 2018

Tribute H.E. Dr Joao Paulo Marques Sabido Costa The Charge De Affairs of Embassy of Portugal in Pakistan both nations aim to simplify the route for trade so that cost of commodities should remain economical. Mr. Joao Paulo Marques has a vision of seeing Pakistan and Portugal as countries engaged in exchange of trade delegations to Amna Malik promote business-to-business linkages to know each other and Pakistan and Portugal enjoy cordial relations and there is an urge explore new areas of mutual cooperation. Portugal is ready to to further bilateral relations by deepening the bond. H.E. Dr. Joao provide technology and machinery to Pakistan in many sectors Paulo Marques Sabido Costa, the charge d'affairs of Embassy of including agriculture, textile, marble, water resources, building and Portugal in Pakistan has played a huge role in building the much constructions. Since Portugal is close to the European Union (EU) needed bond. With the belief that the only way forward is to keep on and Sub-Sahara it is good opportunity for Pakistan to develop close creating and indenting opportunities for cooperation between the cooperation with it to get better market access to European and two countries at all levels: political, economic, cultural, social and African regions. Pakistani products are greatly appreciated in other academic, he aims to make each country more aware of the others. countries such as basmati rice and food items and fruits such as While opining about the trade relations between Pakistan and Pakistani grown mangoes are quite popular in Portugal therefore Portugal, H.E. Joao Paulo Marques elaborates that Portugal comes at Pakistan should focus on exporting more products to Portuguese 8th place among the top exporting destinations and at 12th place market under the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) Plus among the top importing member states of European Union. scheme. Portugal too has many products that may interest Pakistan According to the available data on recent years, the such as olive oil, however, at the same time, Pakistani producers volume of bilateral trade of g o o d s seem to need machinery and know-how for their endeavors that between Por tug al and Pakistan is definitely would be an opportunity for partnerships that goes gradually increasing. In 2016, it reached beyond simple trade. But there is still much to be discovered the total amount of 132 m i l l i o n between both countries. The Charge d'affairs believes that his euros. But H.E. feels that we should try country has much to offer to Pakistan for which he has offered a to intensify even more contacts 'golden visa programme' to attract investments in real estate sector and dialogue between business so that Pakistani investors should take benefit of this program. m e n a n d e c o n o m i c institutio Portugal has PTAs with many countries and by investing in ns of both countries. Both n a t i o n s Portugal, Pakistani investors can promote exports to Europe, converge on the fact that there is a Africa, Canada and other regions. For this reason, he is working to sure need to enhance i m p o r t form a delegation for Portugal to explore new business tendencies, as there is a whole world opportunities. to be explored by both countries. H.E. Joao Paulo Marques shows great enthusiasm for Pakistani T h u s , under the able entrepreneurs and has invited them to start joint ventures with their leade r s h i p o f Portuguese counterparts in the sectors of textile, food, rice, H . E . information technology, sports goods and agriculture that would be Jo a o equally beneficial for the both countries. The Charge d'affairs of Paul Portugal Joao Paulo Sabido claimed there is a huge scope for the o , expansion of two-way trade between Portugal and Pakistan. For this, Pakistani entrepreneurs should focus on Portugal to exploit the untapped market potential for all the traditional and non-traditional products. Between both countries, the need for exchange of trade delegation and chamber-to-chamber contacts has been stressed by representatives on both sides. Pakistani trade delegations would have extremely favorable response for Pakistani products as both countries have longstanding cordial relations. Portuguese Charge d'affairs is cognizant of the services of all Pakistani officials for the enhancement of trade and economic ties between Portugal and Pakistan. The Embassy, in his supervision showed its appreciation and gladness for the visits of Pakistani entrepreneurs and officials and made plans regarding the prospects of investment in Pakistan. Pakistani businessmen are eager to develop close working relations with the Embassy of Portugal as both countries enjoy good diplomatic relations. According to H.E. Joao Paulo Marques, the level of trade between Pakistan and Portugal is not up to the mark although Pakistan is having favourable balance of

Mélange 52 June 2018 Tribute trade with Portugal and overall trade is also growing for the last three years. Portugal has good expertise in energy generation through renewable sources and it plans to cooperate with Pakistan in easing its energy problems. Both countries also have good potential to exchange expertise in the fields of education, science and information technology while promotion of tourism would strengthen bilateral relations. Portugal claims to be quite strong in high technology and has shown generosity to cooperate with Pakistan to manufacture value added and hi-tech products. Considering the relationship as a significant one, both sides can learn with each other and can gain from a continued exchange. This is exemplified by the environmental issue that is of common interest to both nations. Sports too, is seen as a very interesting area because it involves youth and opportunities of social inclusion - much needed nowadays. Especially that Pakistan has a very youthful population, certainly plenty of skillful sportsmen and women and in sports like football (soccer) would benefit from Portugal's Diplomatic Focus and Mr. Joao Paulo Sabido Costa were the host of experience in coaching and high level training. On the other side, this magnificent ceremony in which a large number of notables Portuguese youth can discover sports in which Pakistanis are from different walks of life participated to express their solidarity masters, like cricket. Besides sports, there is a need for the exchange and warm feelings for both countries relations. Ambassadors of of students for which he stressed the need to intensify cooperation many other countries were also present. Mian Fazal Elahi suggested between schools, universities and research centers between both that people to people contacts and VVIP delegates' visits are key to countries. increasing the present cordial relations into stronger and robust H.E. Joao Paulo Marques claims that both countries are cooperation. While Charge d'affairs of the Republic of Portugal, reviewing and updating the bilateral documents on cultural Mr. Joao Paulo Sabido Costa presented a brief about history of cooperation. But cultural cooperation, between both sides is not establishment of relations. He said that Pakistan and Portugal share only unilaterally promoting each one's culture, but developing the a long history together that, eventually, spreads over several knowledge of our mutual cultural heritage shared in multiple fields, centuries, to the independence of Pakistan. as well as to cooperate in international entities like UNESCO But most important in order to underline the friendship whether helping each other to prepare and document our between both countries, is to recall the first Portuguese Diplomatic candidatures to recognition as World Heritage of our cultural sites Envoy, who presented credentials in Karachi in 1952,65 years ago. or submitting joint candidatures like it has been the case of the Art of Falconry. Under the able and most visionary leadership of Mr. Portugal is an important country with a dynamic role Joao Paulo Marques, the prospects of Pakistan and Portugal relations are looking increasingly good. And expect to continue in world community. Pakistan attaches great growing and going forward. These positive sentiments are what the importance to relations with Portugal. Both countries Pakistani nation needs from its friends. That both should work can further enhance their cooperation with the towards an upward direction to benefit not only the state, but the citizens as well. In modern world, Portugal and Pakistan enjoy very exchange of delegations from different spheres of life. cordial relations. Both countries are working together to enhance He claimed that in 1949 the Portuguese government published a mutual cooperation in variety of sectors including trade and people decree deciding the opening of a diplomatic mission in Karachi. to people contacts. To mark these friendly relations history, on the Moreover, at Pakistan's 70th Anniversary, H.E. offered his occasion of the 65th felicitations to Pakistan for all the wellbeing and progress achieved A n n i ve r s a r y o f by the country along all those years. He claimed that for Portugal, it Presentation of is honour to be a friend of Pakistan due to the respect both Credentials by the countries share towards its people, history and relevant role First Portuguese performed within the international society. Ambassador of Brazil, Diplomatic Envoy H.E. Claudio Lins, being a great friend and associate congratulated t o t h e I s l a m i c Portugal and Pakistan on celebrating 65 years of friendship. He said R e p u b l i c o f that Mr. Joao Paulo Sabido Costa was a sweet diplomat and praised P a k i s t a n , T h e the new initiatives he took for strengthening the bilateral relations. Charge d'affairs of Portugal is an important country with a dynamic role in world the Republic of community. Pakistan attaches great importance to relations with Portugal Mr Joao Portugal. Both countries can further enhance their cooperation with Paulo Sabido Costa the exchange of delegations from different spheres of life. H.E. in collaboration with Joao Paulo Sabido Costa certainly needs to be lauded for cementing D i p l o m a t i c the mutual ties with his hard work and concentration on his work. Focus/Diplomatic Centuries ago, a Portugeues dared to travel the longest sea route council (DC), a bringing closer the East and the West. And today another grand reception was Portugeues is further promoting centuries old relations into a hosted last year in meaningful and mutually beneficial friendship September. Mian F a z a l E l a h i o f Author is the President, Center of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) and Editor-in-Chief of ‘Mélange’ and ‘ The Asian Telegraph’

Mélange 53 June 2018 Random Clicks Rising Stars Perform at the Mega Musical Event 'Sarangi Night' Season II at Serena Hotel Serena Hotel hosted a Sarangi night season II which is a part of Serena's Cultural Diplomacy Initiative which aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Pakistan

Mélange 54 June 2018 News Update World's top oil company Saudi Aramco appoints first woman on Board Saudi Aramco, the world's most profitable company, has appointed a woman to its board, in a milestone move for Saudi Arabia, where only one-fifth of women work and there are very few female executives. The oil company, which made profits of $33.8bn (£25bn) in the first half of 2017 – $5bn more than second-placed Apple – said on Sunday it had recruited the American oil executive Lynn Laverty Elsenhans to its 11-member board. The appointment of Elsenhans, a former chief executive and chair of US oil refiner Sunoco, comes as the Saudi Arabian government prepares to float Saudi Aramco later this year or early in 2019. The Customers have so far been positive about the innovative new initial public offering, which could take place in London, New York branch. “These days because people are less and less likely to be or Hong Kong, will be the world's largest. inclined to want other people to come and bother them, because Only a handful of Saudi women are appointed to the board of major they want to be left alone," said one customer. "We hope when we Saudi companies, but that is slowly changing in the conservative come to a bank that we have human machine interaction – this type kingdom, where women are subject to a male guardianship system of experience.” that in many cases restricts their opportunities to work. The Saudi But people are also worried that this sort of automation will leave government has set a target of increasing female participation in the some customers behind. workforce from 22% to 30% by 2030. “Some people in their 60s or older whom I talk to, now their view Last year, the Saudi stock exchange appointed Sarah al-Suhaimi as its was that this technology was great but when it comes to actually first female chair. She was the first woman to chair a major using them, they're not convenient. Because they haven't used these government financial institution in the kingdom. kinds of equipment before, they have to have people to help them. Elsenhans was named by Forbes magazine as one of the world's How on earth to use this? What does it do?”, said a concerned most powerful women in 2008. Prior to her role at Sunoco, citizen. Others are skeptical that investing in more technology Elsenhans was a senior executive at Royal Dutch Shell, where she doesn't necessarily add value. Much of banking already has a high level of automation, and whether increased surveillance from a state bank is something customers really need, is questionable too. Still, a bank free of human interaction is a novelty for customers. They're lining up to see the potential face of future services Pak-origin MP appointed new UK home secretary Sajid Javid was appointed as Britain's home secretary after Amber Rudd resigned over her handling of immigration policy. Here are some facts about the new, 48-year-old home secretary: Javid campaigned to remain in the European Union during the 2016 referendum, even though a few months before the vote he said his “heart” was for Brexit. After the result, he said: “We're all Brexiteers worked for more than 28 years. She also sits on the board of now.” He was the first member of Britain's South Asian minority to GlaxoSmithKline. be given a full-time post in the cabinet when he was appointed Also joining Aramco's board are the Saudi Arabian minister of culture minister in 2014. His father moved to Britain from Pakistan finance, Mohammed al-Jadaan; the economy minister, Mohammed and worked as a bus driver in Bristol. al-Tuwaijri; Peter Cella, the former president and chief executive of Before starting his career in politics, Javid worked for Chase Chevron Phillips Chemicals; and Andrew Liveris, the chief Manhattan Bank and for Deutsche Bank, helping to build its executive of the Dow Chemical Company. business in emerging markets. Javid cites the late Conservative The five new members of Aramco's board will join six returning prime minister Margaret Thatcher as his political inspiration and has members, including the Saudi energy minister, Khalid al-Falih, who is also Aramco's chairman, and Amin Nasser, Aramco's chief executive. Ibrahim al-Assaf, a minister of state, and the managing director of the government-owned Public Investment Fund, Yasir al-Rumayyan, also remain on the board First unmanned bank opens its doors in China A branch of China Construction Bank in Shanghai thinks what nobody does. Robot assistants are just one part of their so-called person-less strategy. The bank also has virtual reality rooms for customers looking to buy real estate or gold. Touch screen displays let customers pay bills, membership fees and much more.

Mélange 55 June 2018 News Update often hung a portrait of her in his ministerial office. Around 250 British-Pakistanis elected in May 3 In 2016, Javid supported the former work and pensions minister Stephen Crabb as a candidate to replace then-prime minister David local elections in England Cameron as leader of the Conservative Party in return for a promise The May 3 local elections in England have resulted in nearly 250 to be appointed finance minister. Crabb's bid ultimately foundered British Pakistanis being elected to office as councillors. More than when he failed to secure enough votes. 500 candidates of Pakistani origin contested in the local elections Javid has shown drive, ambition and determination to get to grips held across England. with difficult subjects, PM Theresa May's spokesperson said. According to reports, 48 per cent of those who contested in the Describing Javid as one of the most experienced ministers around general elections have been declared winners, with a clear majority of the cabinet table, the spokesperson said he would need those skills in them being from the opposition Labour party. The remaining his new job. The spokesperson said no further ministerial changes winners being Liberal Democrats and a handful from the ruling were expected after Javid's and two other appointments were Conservative – also known as Tories. Out of the 250 British announced earlier Pakistanis elected as councillors, 60 are women. Region wise the highest number of elected candidates was from London. At least one NASA plans to send mini-helicopter to Mars winner is of Pakistani origin in 21 boroughs. NASA plans to send a small, unmanned helicopter to Mars that In the London borough of Hounslow, a record number of 14 candidates won, all from the Labour party. An equal number of men and women won from Hounslow, compared to just one winner from the 2014 elections. On the other hand, Birmingham now has 22 councilors of Pakistani origin while 16 candidates won from Manchester. Bradford tops the list where 27 councilors are British Pakistanis — nine of them elected for the first time. The borough of Walthamstow council stands second with 12 elected councilors, with three of them being women, while 11 councilors won from the Redbridge borough, all from Labour Party. Birmingham the second largest county after London, had 101 seats up for grabs after the recent boundary changes. A record number of 22 candidates of Pakistani origin were successful. For the Manchester City council, 16 candidates of Pakistani origin were successful with 10 males and six females. In Leeds, nine seats went to Pakistani origin could boost our understanding of the Red Planet. It is part of the candidates including two females. Bradford also known as 'Little US space agency's 2020 mission to place a next-generation rover on Pakistan', had nine seats that went to Pakistani origin candidates out the Martian surface and will mark the first time such an aircraft will of which four were women. be used on another planet. Known as the Mars Helicopter, the In a first for many councils in England, British Pakistani's won for the remote-controlled device weighs less than four pounds (1.8kg) and first time in towns such as Thurrock, Rushmoor, and Redditch and in its blades spin at almost 3,000rpm, roughly 10 times the rate cities like Sunderland and Hull. Sadiq Khan, the current mayor of employed by helicopters on Earth. London, former member of parliament (MP) Mohammed Sarwar, NASA officials said the aircraft will reach the Red Planet's surface Khalid Mahmood MP, Imran Hussain MP, Sajjad Karim MEP, attached to the Mars 2020 rover that aims to carry out geological Rehman Chishti MP, Lord Qurban Hussain and Afzal Khan MP are studies and ascertain the habitability of the Martian environment. "NASA has a proud history of firsts," said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine. "The idea of a helicopter flying the skies of another planet is thrilling." Controllers on Earth will command the Mars Helicopter, which is designed to receive and interpret commands from the ground. Plans are being laid for a 30-day flight test, with five flights going incrementally further each time. "The altitude record for a helicopter flying here on Earth is about 40,000ft (12,100m)," said Mimi Aung, Mars Helicopter project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "The atmosphere of Mars is only one percent that of Earth, so when our helicopter is on the Martian surface, it's already at the Earth equivalent of 100,000ft up (30,500m)," she added. NASA says that if successful, the Mars Helicopter could be a model for scouting on future Mars missions, just a few of the Pakistani-origin British nationals holding high able to access places the human-built rovers cannot reach. If it fails, political offices in the country it will not impact the Mars 2020 mission. "The ability to see clearly what lies beyond the next hill is crucial for future explorers," said Trump working with President Xi to help restart NASA's Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for the China's ZTE science mission directorate. "We already have great views of Mars US President Donald Trump said that he and Chinese President Xi from the surface as well as from orbit. With the added dimension of Jinping are working to give Chinese telecom company ZTE Corp “a a bird's-eye view from a 'marscopter', we can only imagine what way to get back into business, fast.” future missions will achieve." “President Xi of China, and I, are working together to give massive

Mélange 56 June 2018 News Update Australian breaks world record on Everest summit An Australian climber reached the top of Mount Everest and becoming the fastest person to summit the highest mountain on each of the world´s seven continents. Steve Plain conquered Everest 117 days after he reached the peak of Mount Vinson -- the highest mountain in Antarctica -- breaking the previous seven-summit speed record by nine days. "Steve reached the summit this morning with Jon Gupta and Pemba Chinese phone company, ZTE, a way to get back into business, fast. Sherpa," Iswari Paudel of Himalayan Guides Nepal, which organised Too many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been logistics for Plain´s Everest ascent, told media. Plain´s GPS tracker instructed to get it done!” Trump wrote on Twitter. also showed he had stood atop the 8,848 meter (29,030 foot) The Chinese technology company earlier this month suspended its mountain. The Australian began his quest to break the record just main operations after the US Commerce Department banned four years after a swimming accident left him with a broken back. He American supplies to its business. The ban is the result of ZTE's and two team-mates left the last camp before the Everest summit late failure to comply with an agreement with the US government after it Sunday to make their final ascent. pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to violate US sanctions by "We are now resting at camp 4, for a few hours at least. Our plan is to illegally shipping U.S. goods and technology to Iran, the Commerce set off this evening aiming to reach the top early tomorrow morning. Department said. Time to get this finished off," Plain wrote in a blog during his hike. As one of the world's largest telecom equipment makers, ZTE relied The Australian climbed six of the seven summits with British climber on US companies such as Qualcomm Inc and Intel Corp for Gupta who tweeted: "Hello from the top of the world!!! We´ve done components. American companies are estimated to provide 25 it!! We´re on the summit of Everest!! Words simply can´t begin to percent to 30 percent of the components used in ZTE's equipment, describe what I can see & how I am feeling -- it´s very emotional!!" which includes smartphones and gear to build telecommunications The previous record for the fastest ascent of the seven summits was networks China welcomes DPRK and US leaders' summit in Singapore China has welcomed the upcoming summit of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and US leaders in Singapore on June 12, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said. Shuang has said that China welcomes the positive progress made by the leaders of the DPRK and the US to prepare for the summit. China looks forward to positive results from the meeting, said the spokesperson, adding that important steps must be taken to promote the denuclearization of the peninsula through political solutions to realize long-term stability in the region. “We expect the leaders of set last year by Polish climber Janusz Kochanski, who did it in 126 DPRK and US will achieve positive results,” Shuang added. days. There is some controversy over which mountains should make On May 10, US President Donald Trump had tweeted: “The highly the list of the highest continental summits. anticipated meeting between Kin Jong Un and myself will take place In one version Australia´s Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters) makes in Singapore on June 12th. We will both try to make it a very special the list, while the other list defines the Carstensz Pyramid -- a much movement for the World Peace.” Regarding the question about harder 4,884 meters climb in Indonesia -- as the highest peak of the Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif's visit to China, Shuang said the two Australian continent. For good measure, Plain climbed both. countries have maintained close communication and exchanges. As well as the 4,892-metre Vinson, the other summits are Aconcagua (6,962m) in Argentina, Tanzania´s Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Elbrus (5,642m) in Russia and Denali (6,190m) in the United States Pakistan paid heavy cost in fighting terrorism: National Security Adviser (NSA)Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua The NSA Lt. Gen. (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua represented Pakistan at the meeting of the Secretaries of National Security Council (NSC) of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States held in Beijing on 21-22 May 2018. The meeting was attended by representatives of NSC SCO member states including Pakistan, China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and In response to a question about Israel's attack on Iran's military Uzbekistan. This was the first time that Pakistan participated in this targets in Syria, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that meeting after joining SCO as full member in June 2017. the aggression was a response to Iran's attack on Israel. “We hope Addressing the meeting, the NSA General Janjua highlighted that as a that relevant parties will keep calm to maintain jointly regional peace new Member State of SCO, Pakistan fully subscribed to the and stability,” he said

Mélange 57 June 2018 News Update Organization's ideals and objectives for durable peace, stability and embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. prosperity in the SCO region and beyond. He stated that given the He led the Pakistan delegation to the Summit. Minister for Foreign scale and dimension of security challenges in the SCO region, Affairs and Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan and senior officials Member States should enhance cooperation and develop accompanied him. comprehensive strategies to effectively counter the old and new PM further said, “Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with the threats to regional peace and security. He stressed that the fight Palestinian people in the face of unbridled tyranny. We join the OIC against terrorism should be waged on the basis of norms and countries in conveying its strong condemnation of the massacre and principles of international law; terrorism should not be associated maiming of innocent Palestinians by Israeli forces. “We are at an with any religion, nationality or ethnicity; and all efforts against important juncture in history. It is no longer a question of choice but terrorism must be devoid of bias and “double standards”. of necessity -- to rise above our differences, demonstrate solidarity Underscoring Pakistan's commitment to the fight against terrorism and support for the people of Palestine and above all aensure that and its achievements, the NSA said that over the last two decades, international law is upheld without exception. Pakistan has been at the forefront in fighting terrorism and had paid a “The OIC countries' response should, therefore, be multi-pronged heavy cost. However, neither the human nor the financial losses had and well-considered. It is essential to reaffirm and renew unity among diminished Pakistan's resolve to fight this menace. General Janjua our countries and the general public. We must also set aside our underscored the significance and urgent need to find an early political differences. Even more important is to faithfully implement the OIC plans of action that are already in place in diverse areas.” PM said that only by taking actions, we could resist external pressures, reverse the losses and take their destinies in our own hands. “ On the diplomatic front, we must continue to demand that the UNSC fulfill its key responsibility for implementation of its existing resolutions,” he added. He said: “We must reject double standards in the enforcement of council resolutions. If the UNSC was unable or unwilling to act, they should mobilize support in the United Nation (UN) General Assembly for rejection of revisionist decisions and ensuring accountability of violators of international law.” He also stressed for follow-up on OIC decisions for economic and other appropriate actions to change the behaviour of the occupying forces. He also suggested that we should also consider the possibility of seeking the ICJ's advisory opinion on the illegality of recent actions. settlement to the decades old conflict in neighboring Afghanistan. In Moreover, PM said, “OIC member countries needed to reach out to this context, he assured that Pakistan would continue its efforts and other states and groups 'to sustain support for the just cause of the cooperation for finding a peaceful and negotiated settlement to the Palestinians, put an end to continued killings and state terrorism and Afghan conflict, under an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. build an independent and contiguous state of Palestine, on the basis He also assured of Pakistan's cooperation and participation in all of internationally agreed parameters, the pre-1967 borders, and with regional efforts to counter the menace of narcotics and illicit drugs in Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.” PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that the region. it was deeply regrettable that the United States (US) did not heed to Later in the day, General Janjua along with Secretaries of other SCO universal calls for rescinding its decisions about recognising member states paid a group call on President Xi Jumping in which Jerusalem as the so-called capital of Israel, and relocation of its they briefly exchanged views on regional security issues and SCO's embassy to the holy city. “It is, therefore, in the fitness of things that planes and activities to address the prevailing challenges in the region. our conference resolutely condemns and rejects unilateral decisions On the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Janjua also and recurrent violations of international legality. Concurrently, it is held bilateral meetings with the Secretaries of the National Security heartening to note the strong message of solidarity and support by Council of Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. During these meetings, the OIC for their Palestinian brothers and sisters in these turbulent issues pertaining to bilateral security cooperation and mutual interest times,” he added. Earlier, Turkish PM Binali Yildrim phoned PM were discussed Abbasi and extended invitation to him for participation in the PM Abbasi Urges UNSC to Implement extraordinary session of the OIC convened by Turkey. Yildrim invited him to participate in the discussion on the situation arising out Resolutions on Palestine from the massacre of innocent Palestinians at the hands of Israeli PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has urged the United Nations Security forces in Gaza Council (UNSC) to work for implementation of its resolutions on the Palestine-Israel dispute and put an end to the horrific abuse of human rights at the hands of occupant forces. Condemning the human rights violations by the occupying Israeli forces, PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also reiterated the support of the people and Government of Pakistan for the establishment of a viable, independent and the contiguous state of Palestine. PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was addressing the 7th Extraordinary Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit hosted by Turkey, to discuss the grave situation in the aftermath of blatant human rights violations by the occupying forces in the state of Palestine. PM also condemned the United States' move to shift its

Mélange 58 June 2018 Travel Destination Portugal Melange Team Portugal is a southern European nation the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, called reasonable capitals in Europe. Guests can on the Iberian Peninsula, circumscribing Museu CR7. expect winding streets where strolling Spain. Its area on the Atlantic Ocean has Porto around during the evening is an additional impacted numerous parts of its way of life: Try not to miss Portugal's second treat. In Alfama, delicious smells and salt cod and flame broiled sardines are biggest city. It might appear a bit like the insightful songs (known as fado) float from national dishes. Tourism in Portugal has capital since both are strewn by old, comfortable eateries that line the restricted, been cruising on a rush of progress and in beautiful structures sprawled crosswise over cobblestone maze of avenues. Try not to spite of its prevalence it keeps on being a sloping roads while sitting adjacent to miss Chiado, the in vogue region with the significant waterways, yet Porto is the yin to Lisbon's yang. Where Lisbon is actually splendid and bright, Porto sparkles with culture. Any individual who cherishes Portugal's azulejos tiles shouldn't miss the São Bento railroad station, which offers a staggering mosaic of tiles, changing the dividers into important centerpieces. There is no lack of greenery enclosures, medieval standout amongst other esteem goals. It has royal residences, and church buildings, and most established book shop on the planet, everything—a rich history, imaginative the food is regularly alluded to as the best in or boho-chic Bairro Alto, which wakes up workmanship, staggering perspectives and the nation. Known for its famous Port during the evening. Awesome climate and a super benevolent, easygoing local people. Perse, Porto's sketches of bluish red land lot of daylight implies there's never a terrible Going by has likewise turned out to be make up most of the nearby Douro Valley. time to visit Lisbon. simpler since TAP Portugal, the nation's Ericeira Algrave fundamental aircraft, has expanded their Algarve is extraordinary compared to stopover program to five days. other spots to go to blend warm climate, Maderia climbing undertakings, in vogue shorelines, Begin the year off appropriate by and significantly trendier social scenes. awakening in Madeira. This subtropical Every one of the real urban community island framework has turned out to be one merits going to—including Albufeira, of the trendiest landing places in Portugal Lagos, Vilamoura and Portimão—and an for climbing, spending warm days by the end of the week away may persuade ocean side as a winter sun withdraw, and anybody that paradise exists here on Earth. enjoying the colorful cuisine. The capital Surfing is one of the fundamental Minor fortune troves of gem splendid Funchal offers extraordinary day and night attractions in Portugal, and Ericeira is a little waters and entrancing terrain—like Camilo life compared to other places on the planet. town with a major notoriety for getting Beach in Lagos—are sprinkled over the With the blend of spring and summer at waves. It's likewise simple to get to and from locale. Good news is that you don't need to New Year, you'll get the fstivity without the Lisbon, and keeping in mind that it's not stress over not communicating in chill of extreme weather. If you can't head only the nearest shoreline town to the Portuguese as most people in the Algarve (if capital, but one of the busiest. In any case, sitting along the rocks and watching surfers (or surfing yourself) isn't the main activity here; Ericeira's eateries are among the best spots for indulging in fresh, delicious Portuguese seafood. Lisbon The capital keeps on sitting at the highest point of movement agendas, and over for New Year, no problem; visiting the guests more often than not can hardly wait not most), are more English-talking than main island and smaller, adjacent islands at to sink their teeth into true pasteis de nata, Portuguese nowadays, particularly around other times is always a good plan and Porto one of the numerous bacalhau dishes, and Albufeira and Vilamoura. Anybody needing Santo is where beach enthusiasts will find investigate the Portuguese calçadas to split far from the Portugese vacationer the most beautiful stretches of sand in (customary mosaic walkways). In spite of swarms, notwithstanding, still has a lot of Portugal. Other landmarks in Madeira and the blast in tourism, this keeps on being a spots to visit—a couple of the most the smaller islands include the house that city that can be investigated on a financial peaceful towns are Sagres, Tavira, and once belonged to Christopher Columbus, plan, yet is a standout amongst the quiet and Aljezur

Mélange 59 June 2018 Food Corner Moroccan Cuisine Melange Team dishes. Chermoula is a combination of herbs and spices used as a marinade before grilling over coals, and as a dipping sauce. Harira: Amid the heavenly month of Ramadan, the fast is broken at nightfall every day with a steaming dish of harira soup. Rich with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and sheep, it is done off with a press of lemon juice and some cleaved coriander, presented with a Moroccan cooking is affected by Morocco's sticky sweet pretzel called Chebakkiya. and ultimately dusted off with icing sugar and connections and trades with different Couscous: cinnamon. societies and countries for hundreds of years. 'Seksu' or couscous is a fine wheat pasta Kefta tagine: Moroccan food is commonly a blend of customarily moved by hand. It is steamed Hamburger or sheep mince with garlic, new A r a b i c , A n d a l u s i a n , B e r b e r a n d over a stew of meat and vegetables. To serve, coriander and parsley, cinnamon and ground Mediterranean cooking styles with a slight the meat is secured by a pyramid of couscous, coriander are rolled into balls and cooked in a European and Subsaharan impact. One of the vegetables are squeezed into the sides and tomato and onion sauce. Just before the dish the great cuisines of the world, Moroccan the sauce served independently. It is is prepared, eggs are broken into the sauce cooking abounds with subtle spices and and to perfection. intriguing flavour combinations. Think about Moroccan Chicken Rfissa: tart green olives paired with chopped There might be nothing rich about pouring preserved lemon rind stirred into a tagine of hot meat and juices over a plateful of bread, tender chicken, the surprise of rich pigeon yet around the globe such humble charge is meat pie dusted with cinnamon and icing viewed as flavorful, fulfilling and comforting sugar, or sardines coated with a flavourful for the stomach. In Morocco Rfissa appears combination of coriander, parsley, cumin and as a terrific introduction of stewed chicken a hint of chilli. Influenced by Andalusian and lentils fragrantly prepared with Spain, Arabia and France, Morocco's cuisine fenugreek, saffron and Ras el Hanout. The is a delicious combination of mouthwatering frequently decorated with a sweet raisin save, dish is broadly served to new moms, but on flavours that make it unique. Don't leave the other hand it's a well-known claim to fame Morocco without trying… or in the Berber custom, with a bowl of buttermilk. dish to offer to family or visitors on different B'ssara: Makouda: events. At a couple of pennies a bowl, this rich soup Sardines- Fish and seafood: of dried expansive beans is generally served Moroccan road nourishment is amazing and the best place to test the wide assortment is The waters along Morocco's broad coastline for breakfast, finished with a whirl of olive give a bounteous supply of sardines, making oil, a sprinkling of cumin and bread straight Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakesh. Here close to the kebabs, calamari and flame broiled sardines, you will locate the more bizarre sweet cheek meat of sheep's heads, snails cooked in a hot juice that wards off colds and sticks of sheep's liver with caul fat. Makouda are little deep-fried potato balls, delicious and dipped into spicy harissa sauce. Zaalouk: Moroccan dinners start with no less than seven cooked vegetable plates of mixed greens to gather up with bread. They can from the stove. incorporate green peppers and tomatoes, this top notch, exceptionally solid fish a Tagine: sweet carrots or courgette purée, and a dish moderate liberality. You can keep things ultra- A tagine is the clay cooking pot with a funnel of nearby olives close by. Zaalouk is a smoked basic and essentially heat or barbecue entire shaped top that gives its name to a horde of aubergine plunge, prepared with garlic, sardines, yet a standout amongst the most dishes. Tagines can be seen foaming without paprika, cumin and a little stew powder. famous approaches to set them up is to stuff end at each roadside bistro, are found in first B'stilla: sardine filets with a lively marinade called rate eateries and in each home and are This extremely unique pie speaks to the Chermoula and after that sear them. It's a constantly presented with bread. zenith of dazzling Fassi (from Fez) food. treat not to miss, regardless of whether as a Fish Chermoula: Layers of a paper-thin baked good include a sandwich filler or as a dish set out close by With its long Atlantic and Mediterranean mix of pigeon meat, almonds and eggs spiced other fish and fish for a Moroccan broiled coasts, Morocco boasts a rich array of fish with saffron, cinnamon and crisp coriander fish supper

Mélange 60 June 2018 Book Review Melange Team privatization, and indicate a need for stronger and more open international governance. The examples in this book do support important theoretical arguments regarding political economy, but not as its author intends. The primary deficiency of this book is in its understanding of Public Choice concepts. Professor Stiglitz refers specifically to rent seeking, which he describes as a theory of “how special interests use tariffs and other protectionist measures to increase their incomes at the expense of others”. He associates this theory with ideological fervor and claims that market failure arguments better explain problems in developing countries. This attitude towards rent seeking is peculiar for two reasons. First, what he describes is more like the collective action problem of Mancur Olson than rent seeking. Second, the author supplies numerous examples of collective action problems in the global economy of the 1990s. On page 19, Stiglitz asserts that trade ministers and the WTO and finance ministers and central bank governors align themselves with members of the business and financial community. Stiglitz claims that privatization in Russia led to greater rent seeking, which he describes as “briberization”. “Privatization” worked to enrich government ministers rather than to fill treasury coffers. He also mentions a World Bank sponsored and US backed electricity deal in Pakistan, where narrow private interests earned profits from prearranged and exorbitant prices. Stiglitz also refers to “Trickle Down” economics. This he describes as the notion that economic growth will eventually reach the poor, as the rich spend their increased incomes. Instead, wealth trickled up to members of narrow interests. Stiglitz describes how Boris Yeltsin created a powerful class of oligarchs and businessmen. The IMF loaned billions to Russia, while political elites benefited from special tax privileges and looted public coffers. Local government officials squeezed private firms so hard that they had no incentive to invest. Professor Stiglitz complains that the IMF provided billions to bail out banks, but little in food subsidies to the Globalisation and Its Discontents poor masses. He condemns the Treasury and IMF for its $30 billion by Joseph Stiglitz deal with Japan. This money went to American and other foreign banks, rather than to help with Japan's economic situation. He also (New York and London: recounts $23 billion to bail out financial interests during the Asian crisis. This is, as Stiglitz describes it, corporate welfare. Norton, 2002. xxii + 282 pages.) Stiglitz explicitly blames the narrow economic view of the IMF (i.e., its ostensible free market ideology) for opposition to food and Globalization and Its Discontents is a book of remarkable other subsidies to the poor. Their “outworn presumption” that insight. The author draws upon his experiences as chief economist markets lead to efficient results caused discontent with globalization. at the World Bank to explain major events in the global economy of Yet he supplies extensive evidence of IMF willingness to supply the 1990s. The primary episodes that this book analyzes are the subsidies to narrow financial and business interests. What he Asian Crisis and Russia's post Soviet reforms. Empirical analysis by overlooks are public choice arguments concerning the ability of economists typically relies on formal statistics. Professor Stiglitz concentrated interests to gain at the expense of broader interests. avoids this in his book, and much to his credit. Written history helps Rather than blaming free market ideology, Professor Stiglitz should fill out the empirical record and enhances our understanding of have considered public choice explanations for how concentrated economic processes. The author took full advantage of his position interests gain at public expense. to write about important changes in the global economy. Professor Stiglitz argues that markets require perfect Professor Stiglitz also has much to say about how political competition and perfect information. Since agents in markets lack factors affected policy at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), perfect information and face transaction costs, markets will fail to the US Treasury and the World Trade Organization. He claims that deliver efficient results, and government can, in principle, improve ideology and bad economics thinly veiled the actions of special upon market outcomes. Professor Stiglitz commits the Nirvana interests. Private interests lobbied successfully for alleged Fallacy by assuming that government can, in principle, always privatization and liberalization, resulting in crises. Free market improve upon market imperfection. Considering that his book ideologies served as intellectual cover for these interests in efforts to points to many examples of government failure, his failure to avoid justify alleged misadventures in privatization. Professor Stiglitz this fallacy is particularly odd, however it is a good read for those claims that experience with these policies refute the case for rapid trying to see the internal perspective of global economics

Mélange 61 June 2018 Tech All you need to know about

Melange Team services Uber and Careem. Without any hassle in searching for places on maps and then booking a cab service in another app, you Google Maps is a web mapping service developed by Google. It can use google maps to do it all at the same time. offers satellite imagery, street maps, 360° panoramic views of streets Time Travel: This feature works as a digital timeline of recent (Street View), real-time traffic conditions (Google Traffic), and history. You can take pictures of different places at different times route planning for traveling by foot, car, bicycle (in beta), or public and seasons and see what it would be like in both summer and winter transportation. or after many years. It lets google know where you are and wherever Google map is something we all use every day, may be to look up you go while travelling with google maps. Is it creepy or convenient? a place, get directions, or even check the traffic. But only a few know Adding Stops: Google has launched an interesting feature for that was created by an Australian company and not by United States. adding stops within journey, which was not previously available in Google maps is a web mapping service by google, which was initially mobile app. It lets you add your desired stops while travelling from created by a small company Where2technologies. In 2004, one destination to another. You can even add multiple stops in one

Where2technologies were acquired by google and named as Google journey. maps. Google maps was officially launched in 2005 by google. It Offline Maps: Google map is great when you're travelling local provides us with features that cannot fall only in maps category, it is and have poor internet signals. You can easily download the offline way more than just maps. However, google constantly updates it map and use it. You can get driving directions offline, but not transit, with great new features, but, not everyone is aware of all the features bicycling or walking directions. In your driving directions, you won't it has. have traffic info, alternate routes, or lane guidance. You also can't Finding friends: If you haven't tried this before, use it to easily modify routes like avoiding tolls or ferries. find your friends. Simply give google access to your contacts, type In addition, google maps has brought a lot of flexibility. your friends name in the search bar, you can get to their address Nowadays, you can be in any country of the world, you can get easily. directions easily. You can push the little blue arrow on map and see Saving your parking spot: Park your car, open google maps, click what direction you're facing; you never know which way you're on the blue dot showing your location and hit save your location. going sometimes. My favorite thing about google maps is that it Find public transportation: Navigate to the place, choose the helps me not to get lost. train symbol, you can easily find local transportation and cab Certainly convenient, isn't it?

Mélange 62 June 2018 EXPERIENCES Unique Holidays In Pakistan Fourteen acres of peaceful garden surroundings. Beautifully appointed rooms. Graceful Islamic architecture. A visit to Islamabad Serena Hotel Features all of this and more. Our hotels combines the best of local culture and heritage with the amenities and services that discerning travellers seek.

DISCOVER

SAFARI LODGES . HOTELS . RESORTS

Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy, Opposite Convention Centre, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan T: +92 51 111 133 133, F: +92 51 287 1100

w w w . s e r e n a h o t e l s . c o m

FOLLOW US New York, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Islamabad, Lisbon [email protected],[email protected], Contact # +92-300-858-1439 Plot # 38, St # 22, I&T Center, G-8/4, Islamabad.