Pakistan receives $4.9b in eight months

<p> <p> Pakistan received a total of $4.9 billion from foreign sources during the first eight months of the current fiscal year (July to February), while $2.4 billion was received from aid agencies during the same period, according to officials from the Economic Affairs Division. </p> <p> As per details of foreign aid and loans, Pakistan had set a target of obtaining $19.2 billion from external sources for the fiscal year (July to June). However, from July to February, the country received $4.9 billion in foreign assistance. </p> <p> Officials further stated that from July to February $330 million was borrowed from donor countries with France providing the highest amount of $100 million. </p> <p> China contributed $99 million; the United States provided $40 million and Saudi Arabia extended $12.3 million. $500 million was borrowed from commercial banks and $1.3 billion was obtained through Naya Pakistan Certificates. </p> <p> The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided $1.09 billion; the World Bank extended a loan of $890 million while Chinese banks collectively provided $300 million in loans. </p> </p> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Pakistan receives $4.9b in eight months

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Pakistan received a total of $4.9 billion from foreign sources during the first eight months of the current fiscal year (July to February), while $2.4 billion was received from aid agencies durin…

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'Pak-India ties can suddenly improve'

<p> <p> Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and prominent Indian journalist and peace activist Ashis Ray emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and improved relations between Pakistan and India during a high-profile event held in Lahore on Thursday </p> <p> The event, attended by leading media personalities, retired civil and military officials, academics, and civil society members, highlighted the challenges and opportunities in fostering peace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. </p> <p> Kasuri, who served as Pakistan's Foreign Minister from 2002 to 2007, opened the session by reflecting on the tumultuous history of Pakistan-India relations. He noted that while the relationship has seen both highs and lows, the current state of affairs is one of the worst in history, barring times of actual war. </p> <p> He attributed this decline to rising nationalist rhetoric in India, which has been used to polarize voters through anti-Muslim, anti-Pakistan, and anti-Bangladesh sentiments. </p> <p> However, Kasuri remained optimistic, recalling past instances where relations improved unexpectedly, such as former president Pervez Musharraf's warm reception in New Delhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise visit to Lahore in 2015. "Dialogue, dialogue, dialogue is the only way forward," Kasuri asserted, stressing that Pakistan and India cannot afford to remain locked in hostility. </p> <p> He cautioned that terrorism poses an equal threat to both countries and could undermine any potential diplomatic progress. </p> <p> Kasuri also highlighted the importance of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, referencing the four-point formula (actually comprising 11-12 points) that was nearly agreed upon during the 2004-2008 peace process. </p> <p> Speaking on the occasion, Ashis Ray, a London-based journalist, author, and grandnephew of Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose, delivered the keynote address. Ray, who has authored "The Trial that Shook Britain", a book about the Red Fort Trials of Indian National Army soldiers in 1945-46, emphasized the shared history and cultural ties between the two nations. </p> <p> He proposed a three-point plan to foster people-to-people connections. This includes leveraging technology to bring together artists, filmmakers, and musicians from both countries; allowing Pakistani cricketers to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Indian cricketers to participate in Pakistan's Super League (PSL) and encouraging joint ventures in neutral locations if direct exchanges are not feasible. </p> <p> Ray also highlighted the economic potential of improved relations, citing a 2023 World Bank study that found 85% of Pakistan's unrealized trade potential lies with India. "If trade can benefit both countries, why haven't we seized the opportunity?" he asked. </p> </p> Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( <a href="http://syndigate.info"> Syndigate.info </a> ).

'Pak-India ties can suddenly improve'

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Former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and prominent Indian journalist and peace activist Ashis Ray emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and improved relations between Pakistan and Ind…

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