Although the continuation of democracy and the peaceful transition of governments is something to celebrate, it would be a great folly to ignore the challenges ahead. When the euphoria of victory finally wears off and the enormity of the situation sinks in, the next government will find itself face-to-face with challenges of gargantuan proportions resulting from years of complacency and corruption.

The public debt has grown to a shocking figure of Rs 14,561 billion. In the energy sector, the circular debt has ballooned to rupees 500 billion. Public sector enterprises gobble up Rs.625 billion. The foreign exchange reserves are down to $6.7 billion and will be further depleted by a repayment of $390 million on May 24, 2013. The new government will have to approach the IMF for a bail-out package as soon as it is sworn in and this, of course, comes with strings attached. An upcoming event- Endgame 2014 will also have far-reaching effects on Pakistan. With the closure of that chapter in history, the coalition support funds that Pakistan had been receiving over the years will dry out. Furthermore, USA now has bigger concerns at home in wake of a sluggish economy and with troops withdrawal Pakistan will lose the strategic importance it once commanded. It might severely water down American resolve to use its considerable leverage with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and other monetary agencies for a “sweet” deal for Pakistan. On the trade front too, the situation is becoming troublesome with the global economic recession taking its toll on international markets as European economies go into recession and undergo rigorous austerity programs.UK law makers are seriously questioning aid flows to Pakistan where only 0.6 percent populace pays income tax and corruption eats up most of the aid. GAVI has suspended its measles programs in Pakistan. Polio eradication failure and now measles are turning Pakistan into an international pariah with travel restrictions on the cards in many countries

Moreover, as the US -the biggest oil importer looks forward to overtaking Saudi Arabia and Russia and becoming the world’s top oil producer itself by 2017, Pakistan’s remittances from the Gulf States – the only positive note in the economy might be adversely impacted. This is because most of Pakistan’s remittances come from the Middle East where oil-producing countries might react to the US Shale Oil boom by downsizing and laying off employees from other countries as they struggle to fund large grandiose construction projects

The government will have to scrap the power subsidy and levy taxes on agriculture and traders. These powerful lobbies have successfully resisted all efforts in the past as most of the parliamentarians belong to this group. Scrapping power subsidy will increase the cost per unit to consumers substantially raising the cost of living for a population that is already bent over backwards to make two ends meet. This will unleash a wave of public discontentment as the cost of living becomes unbearable. Promises of better life have already raised the expectations of the common man. This is a potent mix and the keg needs extremely careful handling.

One thing is certain this time: ask not the common man what he can sacrifice for Pakistan but ask what the elite- fattened on decades of corruption, SROs and bank loan write-offs, can do to pull Pakistan out of this crisis.

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• President Asif Ali Zardari  at a luncheon hosted in honour of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Aiwan-e-Sadr said, friendship with China was the corner-stone of Pakistan’s foreign policy
• NAB has started probe into massive irregularities and registration of fake doctors and medical colleges by officials of the PMDC; main suspect Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar has accused the President’s close aide Dr. Asim Hussain of using NAB to take over the council; Dr. Asim says, he is not interfering. (News)
• ECP has notified the names of successful candidates of NA and 4 provincial assemblies. (Majority of papers)
• Government is mulling promulgation of Draft Tax Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 through which the rate of GST was proposed to be increased from 16 to 17 percent. (Majority of papers)
• Law Ministry has declared the decision of the Caretaker Prime Minister to ban vehicles of over 1000cc capacity from utilizing the CNG as negation of the basic spirit of the Constitution which ensures equal rights to all citizens. (News, Jang)
• MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said, process of cleaning undesirable elements from the MQM had commenced and the same would continue till all the unwanted persons were thrown out of the party; land grabbers have no room in MQM; urges such people to leave the party. (Majority of papers)
•  PM Li Faces Litmus Test in Pak, China’s ‘Iron Brother’: (The Times of India)
•  Chinese Premier Concludes Indian Visit with Strategic Consensus: (Xinhua, China)
• MQM Halts Protest Campaign: (Khaleej Times)
• Iran moves forward with nuclear development: (The Washington Times)
•  Kerry: U.S., allies ready to step up aid to rebels: (The Washington Times)
•  Imran Khan discharged from hospital: (Al-jazeera)
• Li moots China-Pak eco corridor: (The Times of India)
•  Bomb kills 12 in Quetta in southwest Pakistan: (The Times of India)
• White House admits four US citizens were killed by drone strikes: (The Guardian)
•  UK senior Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Baroness Syyeda Warsi said, Metropolitan Police has received an unprecedented number of complaints about the alleged comments made by Altaf Hussain during his speeches made from London in which he is alleged to have threatened peaceful protestors with violence. (News)
• China has brushed aside Indian concern about its cooperation with Pakistan in the field of civilian nuclear energy and it may agree to build more nuclear power reactors on Pakistani soil to help its neighbour overcome the grave energy crisis that has crippled the country’s economy. (Pakistan Today)
• US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson said, US not opposing talks with Taliban; holding dialogue with Taliban is prerogative of Pakistani government. (Majority of papers)
• Afghan President Hamid Karzai gives India military equipment wish list; ruled out Indian soldiers on Afghanistan’s soil; said, peace deal sans Pakistan not possible. (Majority of papers)
• London Metropolitan police has launched an investigation against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain following complaints by PTI chairman Imran Khan, Guardian reports. (Majority of papers)
• Pakistan Fertilizer sector will invest $ 100 million in gas fields. (News, Daily Times, Pak. Today)
• Saudi Arabia is expected to extend a bailout package of about $ 15 billion to Pakistan’s highly indebted energy sector by supplying crude and furnace oil on deferred payment to enable it to resolve the chronic circular debt issue. (Dawn)
• PTI Chief Imran Khan discharged from Shoukat Khannum hospital in Lahore; stood upright without any support for the first time since his injury; able to walk unaided for over 300 meters, without any discomfort or pain. (Majority of papers)
• Abductors have shifted former Premier Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son Ali Haider Gilani to Afghanistan. (Nawa-e-Waqt)
• COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said, army provided full support to the Election Commission for maintaining security in the elections; nation defeated the misguided minority; Pakistan is not interested in American weapons and ammunition being used in Afghanistan; expressed his doubts about the efficiency of such weapons. (Majority of papers)
• Express Tribune: “Saving fuel” The ban placed on the use of CNG for vehicles over 1000cc by the government is welcome. Certainly, given the scale of our energy crisis and the toll it is taking on so many aspects of life, we need to do all that we can to salvage a grim situation
• News: “The battle for power” There is a growing sense that the incoming government really has made a commitment to tackling the power crisis. A series of lengthy meetings between Nawaz Sharif, power sector advisers and consultants, appears to be moving towards the formulation of a broad plan that meshes a range of local and international initiatives
• Pak. Observer: “All is not well in textile industry” The acute power crisis is affecting the entire economy but it is particularly so in the case of textile industry that is facing massive closures and workers’ lay off in the wake of unprecedented load-shedding.
• Nation, Nawa-e-Waqt: “Reinforcing Pak-China ties” The two-day visit of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang to Pakistan that began yesterday is designed to give a fillip to the two countries’ political, economic and strategic relations, thus reaffirming and reinforcing their already existing exemplary ties

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• President Asif Ali Zardari has telephoned PTI Chief Imran Khan and inquired about his health; the President felicitated him for the confidence reposed in him by the voters
• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has placed a ban from May 25^th on the use of CNG gas by 1000 CC or bigger vehicles
• Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik said, government has sanctioned Rs. 90 million to upgrade the software to verify thumb impressions in bulk
  • AGPR has refused to revise the salaries of teachers promoted under the time scale formula, saying without creation of new posts the benefits cannot be given to the teachers. (Dawn)
  • PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif holds prolonged meetings with energy experts and receives detail briefing from Water and Power Minister Musaddiq Malik on electricity crisis
  • PML-N’s Changez Marrie emerges a strong candidates for office of CM Balochistan. (Pakistan Today)
  •     Chinese Premier Li Keqiang begins Pakistan visit: (Hindustan Times)
  •  Ex-Pak PM Ashraf submits unconditional apology to SC: (Hindustan Times)
  •  Karachi’s king over the water: Altaf Hussain of the MQM: (The Guardian)
  •  Pakistan, An Enemy of Afghanistan: (Tolo News)
  •  New Pak Govt may consider importing electricity from India: (Hindustan Times)
  •  Qayum Karzai, A Possible Presidential Candidate: (Tolo News)
  •  India offers more aid for Afghanistan: (Al-Jazeera)
  •  Pakistan Must Formulate a New Strategy To Tackle Taliban: (Tolo news)
  •  Pakistan To Intensify Violence in Afghanistan This Summer: (Tolo News)
  • China, Pak: All Weather Friends: (Hindustan Times)
  •  Kashmir Must Remain the Core Issue!: (The Island, Colombo)
  • PML-N is in a fix over government formation in Balochistan as its provincial chief, Sardar Sanaullah Zehri has refused to quit the race for the office of Chief Minister
  • PTI calls for vote recount in 25-NA constituency; demands re-polling in entire Karachi under army; also calls for judicial inquiry of Zehra’s murder. (Majority of papers)
  • PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal has announced that the government will continue BISP and intends to make it more targeted for benefiting vulnerable segments of society; intends to change the name of the programme as Pakistan Income Support Programme; privatization of Railway, PSM and PIA are top priority. (News, Business Recorder)
  • All major political parties of the country including PML-N, PTI and PPP are in favour of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project; India shows interest again. (Business Recorder)
  • Are Nawaz Sharif and Kayani on the same page about talks with Taliban? May 20 speeches of the two depicts that they are not seen on the same page on the issue of talking to the Pakistani Taliban, report by Amir Mir. (News)
  • NAB Chairman Fasih Bukhari is determined to continue his job and is in no mood to resign even on moral grounds in case PML-N pursues its petition challenging his appointment, report by Imran Mukhtar. (Nation)
  • Afghan President Hamid Karzai hold talks with Indian leaders including Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh; no immediate details about the discussions are available. (News)
  • Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang says his country recognizes the positive contribution Pakistan has made to maintain peace and stability, combat terrorism and promote development in South Asia; urges the International community to give Pakistan full understanding, recognition and necessary support; congratulates Pakistan on successful elections; promises measures to address trade imbalance issue. (Majority of papers)
  • International Crisis Group has asked Nawaz Sharif to enable independent assessment of drone strike casualties and impact on FATA by lifting travel and other restrictions on Independent observers, national and foreign, to the targeted areas in FATA. (News)
  • ICG says, US drone strikes in Pakistan have a minimal impact on militant recruitment, contrary to the arguments that the controversial programme creates more extremists then it kills. (Daily Times, Jang, Express)
  • Norwegian cyber experts claim, Indian hackers are using fake website links during the last 3-4 years to steal India specific information by targeting Pak Security Agencies. (Express)
  • Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang will arrive in Pakistan today (Wednesday) for a two-day official visit; visit will help cement strategic ties between the two countries. (Majority of papers)
  • US President Barack Obama’s Administration has decided to give the Pentagon control of some drone operations against terrorism suspects overseas that are currently run by the CIA: Reuters report. (Daily Times)
  • NATO and US troops have started withdrawal of their equipment from Afghanistan after more than 10 years of wars. (Frontier Post) 
  • All Pakistan CNG Association has rejected the decision of the government to place ban on the use of CNG gas by 1000 CC or bigger vehicles and vowed to show defiance to the orders arguing that this is not the mandate of the caretaker regime; also rejects 6-day gas suspension plan. (Majority of papers)
  • PIA to hire ‘tainted’ ex-employee as consultant. (Nation)
  • Removal of portraits of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal from the premises of Religious Affairs Ministry strongly condemned. (Pak. Observer)
  • Business Recorder: “Nawaz Sharif’s ‘new vision’” How important it is to obtain a violence-free national landscape; and how soon his government would be able to provide relief to the common man, the PM – presumptive spoke at some length.
  • Daily Times: “Nawaz’s ‘Positive change’” Addressing a gathering of his party’s newly elected representatives in Lahore the other day, Nawaz Sharif committed his incoming government to many ‘positives’. However, no one should underestimate the incoming government’s difficulties, some rooted in the previous government’s tenure, others dating further back into Pakistan’s hoary past
  • Dawn: “Action, not simply words” That Gen Kayani has been forthright in denouncing militancy inside Pakistan and challenged militancy apologists is a good thing and he has done it consistently for nearly a year now

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• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso while chairing an emergency meeting to review energy situation in the country ordered Finance Ministry to immediately release over Rs. 22 billion to the Water & Power Ministry for provision of fuel to the thermal power plants
• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has given a two years extension to Muhammad Arif Raja who is serving as Additional Secretary in Defence Ministry. (Express Tribune)
• Information & Broadcasting Minister Arif Nizami talked to media; said, he personally believes, the caretaker government should take notice of MQM Chief’s statement;
• ECP Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmad in a press conference with NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik ECP Secretary says, ECP is ready to carry out verification of thumb impressions of the voters with the help of NADRA if ordered by elections tribunals; asks NADRA to develop software for this purpose. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif says, dialogue with militants is the best option to restore peace in the country; assures overcoming power crisis at the earliest; promises full support to MQM, PPP to settle Karachi affairs ; announces cut in government expenses by 30 percent
• PTI Chief Imran Khan expresses serious concern over Karachi situation; says, PTI will not leave the city of Quaid at the mercy of terrorists. (Jang)
• JI candidate from NA-244 Karachi Syed Muhammad Bilal demands of the COAS to take notice of large scale poll rigging in Karachi on May 11. (News)
• US military praises Pakistan’s steps to curb fertilizers used in Afghanistan bombs. THE WASHINGTON POST
• Imran Khan’s party wrests MQM’s Karachi bastion: (The Times of India)
• Pentagon to take over some CIA drone operations – Reuters
•  Kayani praises Pakistanis for standing up to terrorists:  (The Times of India)
•  Pakistan Repeats Voting in Karachi Despite Killing: (Xinhua, China)
• Sharif Whisks Pakistan Forwards with High-Speed Train: (The Sunday Times)
• Time to Walk the Peace Talk, Again: (The Tribune)
• Pakistan Rusts, Neglected, in its Tracks: (New York Times)
• Pakistan Holds News Conference to say can’t end Power Blackouts: (Reuters)
• Pakistan’s Former Military Ruler Granted Bail: (The New York Times)
•  Imran Khan’s Party Wins Revote in Karachi, Protests Expected: (The New York Times)
• Killing of Pakistani Politician Shakes New Voting Round: (The New York Times)
• Pakistan holds repeat election in Karachi despite shooting death of senior politician: (The Washington Post)
•  Hugging death in Pakistan: (The Washington Post)
• Afghan president to seek military aid on visit to India amid border tensions with Pakistan: (The Washington Post)
• Anti-Terrorism Court grants bail to former President Pervez Musharraf in Benazir Bhutto murder case. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif challenges transfers and postings as well as shuffling of senior government officials by the caretaker government through a petition in SC. (Majority of papers)
• NAB chief will have to go as Nawaz takes over, report by Ansar Abbasi. (News, Jang)
• A joint statement agreed by Chinese and Indian Premiers after talks in New Delhi highlights the need for intensified economic cooperation and expanding of joint exercises with all the three elements of the armed forces. (Majority of papers)
• US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson says, US will cut the strength of its combat troops in Afghanistan from 68,000 to 34,000 in February. (News)
• 14 killed including Baghlan Provincial Council Chief Muhammad Rasoul Mohesni in an Afghanistan suicide attack. (Majority of papers)
• US Dy. Director of JIEDDO Brig. General Robert P Walters Jr while speaking in a symposium at GHQ says, Pakistan is doing better in curbing smuggling of IED precursors to Afghanistan. (Dawn)
• US Pentagon asks Congress for nearly $ 80 billion to cover the cost of war in Afghanistan in 2014. (Business Recorder)
• Afghan President arrives in India on a 2-day visit amid expectations that he will seek greater military aid from New Delhi. (News)
• Complete shutter down was observed in occupied Kashmir to mark the martyrdom anniversaries of prominent liberations leaders. (Nation)
• BJP President Nitin Gadkari reveals in his book that it was the intervention of Reliance Industries Chief Dhirubhai Ambani the saved life of Nawaz Sharif after 1999 coup by requesting US President Bill Clinton to intervene. (News, Express)
• COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani addresses a symposium on countering IEDs; praises nation for defying the dictates of extremists and reaffirming commitment to moderation by participating in the May 11 elections; proposes regional counter-IED forum. (Majority of papers)
• Dawn: “Zardari’s regrets” Mr. Zardari now regrets his decision of not giving up the presidency for leading the party’s election campaign
• Business Recorder: “Anti-business and pro-corruption taxation” It is advisable for the Dar-led economic team not to impose a wealth tax as it is likely to fuel capital flight as already several productive units have relocated to other regional countries for example Bangladesh
• Express Tribune: “Working together” The meeting in Lahore between Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and incoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would seem to be a good omen for the future. The coming five-year period will be crucial to our country in many ways
• Dr. Arif Alvi (Daily Times): “How MQM works in Karachi” This time, when the people wanted to vote for the PTI, they (MQM) did not let them. Everybody heard what Altaf said, but not a word of condemnation from the army, the administration and the ECP. The army was most vigilant in standing for a few of its corrupt generals
• , but will never say anything against Altaf.
• Saleem Safi (Jang): “Nawaz Sharif aur fouj” The army leadership should accept the fact that a stable democracy is the need of Pakistan and the Army alike and it is the responsibility of the Army leadership that it must co-operate with the democratic government for this purpose

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• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso will host banquet in honour of visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Wednesday. (Nawa-e-Waqt)
• ECP will issue official notification of the winning candidates in the general elections on May 22. (Majority of papers)
• PTI candidate Arif Alvi, in an unofficial result, wins NA-250 after Sunday’s re-vote on 43 polling stations; PTI also wins from PS-112 and PS-113. (Majority of papers)
• MQM Chief addresses Karachi MQM activists via telephone; says, he has never leveled allegations against anyone; shrewd person is leveling false allegations against him and the media is presenting those bad character as heroes. (Majority of papers)
• Charged workers of MQM in Karachi roughed up members of the coordination committee, some lawmakers elect and a few journalists during telephonic address by the party chief Altaf Hussain. (Dawn)
• Embassy Row: ‘Cognitive disconnect’: (The Washington Times)
•  Pakistan Army Chief meets incoming Prime Minister in ‘good omen’: (The Washington Post)
•  Without U.S. helicopters, Afghans struggle to save wounded: (The Washington Post)
• Karachi Killing Shakes District Amid New Vote: (The Wall Street Journal)
• Sharif’s party gets majority in Parliament: (Hindustan Times)
•  Imran blames rival for colleague murder: (Hindustan Times)
•   Upmarket Pakistan district votes again as Imran Khan decries killing: (The Times of India)
•   A Leg up for Democracy in Troubled Pakistan: (Mail Today)
•  Pakistan’s Hope: (The Indian Express)
•  Pakistan MQM’s Altaf Hussain Attracts UK Police Interest: (BBC)
• Taliban Hint at Truce with Sharif Govt: (Times of India)
•  Pakistan says Controversy Over Border Post with Afghanistan Resolved: (Xinhua)
• General Secretary of the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association Brig. (Rtd) Masoodul Hassan says, election process was far from satisfactory and ECP was not paying attention to the complaints of rigging. (Business Recorder)
• British Prime Minister David Cameron reportedly came out of his residence and witnessed for 5 minutes the demonstration of PTI against MQM Chief; PTI protestors demanded MQM Chief’s arrest as well as called for ban on YouTube links of MQM Chief’s speech (Majority of papers)
• Indiana State of US cancels subsidies for a planned $ 1.8 billion fertilizer plant of Mid-West Fertilizer Corp because of concerns that a Pakistani company, having 48 percent stakes in the planned plant, makes products in improvised explosives that kill and injured US troops in Afghanistan. (Majority of papers)
• British Minister Alstair Burt tells British Parliament that British Foreign Office has been funding surveys in FATA that reveal, US drone strikes in the region are causing deep resentment among the local population. (Majority of papers)
• Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang arrives in India; in a statement says, his choice of India as first destination of his tour indicates the great importance Beijing attaches to its relations with New Delhi. (Majority of papers)
• British MP George Galloway asks British Premier and Home Secretary to remove MQM leader Altaf Hussain’s British citizenship over his inflammatory broadcasts. (Nation)
• Sunday Telegraph reports, Scotland Yard is probing complaints from Pakistan over inflammatory speech of MQM Chief. (Pakistan Today)
• Indian Army launches operations in many areas of Kupwara district of occupied Kashmir. (Business Recorder)
• Former Presidential candidate Justice (Rtd) Wajihuddin Ahmad says, favourties were shuffled like chess game moves during the recently held elections. (Express)
• Musharraf likely to leave country in few days; affairs settled, report by Khalid H. Lodhi. (Nawa-e-Waqt)
• ECP orders recounting of votes in NA-103. (Dawn)
• HEC decides to hire more officials to ensure speedy attestation of degrees. (Business Recorder)
• An audit reports reveals irregular payment of Rs. 74 billion BISP money; the board had not notified rules as per BISP Act 2010. (The Express Tribune)
• PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif arrives in Quetta; holds separate meetings with PkMAP, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, NP Chief, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch and caretaker Balochistan CM, Nawab Ghaus Bux Barozai; says, PML-N, PkMAP and NP will form government in Balochistan
• Can SC registrar become complainant in judges’ detention case?; constitutional experts say, it wouldn’t be possible for the prosecution to let the former President Pervez Musharraf off the hook on simply withdrawal of the complaint by complainant, Report by Muhammad Saleh Zaafir. (News)
•  Afghan President plans to discuss potential arms deals with Indian officials; his spokesman says, Karzai will also discuss flare-up on Durand Line during his Indian visit. (Majority of papers)
• Khost Governor Abdul Jabbar Naeemi claims that foreign troops have promised not to leave Afghanistan until its security situation is stabilized. (Pak. Observer)
• HC Chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq barred from addressing a function in occupied Kashmir; put under house arrest at his Nigeen residence; Syed Ali Gilani also put under house arrest. (Nation)
• Total external debt servicing of the country crosses $ 4.6 billion mark during the first 9 months of the current fiscal year. (Business Recorder)
• 9 killed in Karachi violence; 3 decomposed bodies found in Kech and Khuzdar districts of Balochistan; toy-bomb killed a child in Bannu
• Karachi police rules out the killing of PTI leader Zehra Shahid Hussain while resisting a mugging attempt; says, it appears to be a clear case of target killing. (Dawn)
• Express Tribune: “Broken tax system” That the taxation system in Pakistan is broken is beyond doubt, but what is more perplexing is why there seems to be virtually nobody in authority who seems interested in fixing it.
• Dawn: “A new beginning” Saturday’s three-hour tete-a-tete in Lahore between the incoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Kayani suggests that both sides can at least be expected to try and work together in the months ahead
• Jang: “Sharif, Kayani Mulaqat – Acha Aghaz” Yesterday, COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani met the leader of PML-N Mian Nawaz Sharif whose party got majority of the seats in the elections of 2013
• Nation: “China and Kashmir” China has come forward and offered to arbitrate between Pakistan and Indian on the long-standing issue of Kashmir provided it is acceptable to India.
• Express Tribune: “Utilizing solar energy” Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Najam Sethi recently directed the Lahore Development Authority to take measures for the conversion of Lahore’s traffic signals to solar power in a phased programme.

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• Caretaker Minister for Water and Power Dr. Mussadiq Malik says, caretaker government is taking urgent measures to overcome electricity load-shedding; tells, 18000 tons of oil and 150 mmcft gas is required to overcome shortfall. (Nation)
• ECP has finalized all preparations for conducting re-election at 43 polling stations of NA-250 today, which also includes PS-112 and PS-113 constituencies; separately ISPR says, army has been deployed at the polling stations in compliance with ECP notification
• NAB Investigation Branch reportedly sends its findings in relation to RPPs scam to the prosecution branch for filing a reference in the accountability court before May 27; earlier SC has given a deadline of May 27 for filing a reference in the court. (News)
• Federal government has released Rs. 183.1 billion by May 17, 2013 against the total annual allocation of Rs. 360 billion under the PSDP of 2012-13. (Daily Times)
• PTI Chief Imran Khan says, CEC should have immediately taken into confidence the nation through TV address on the issue of rigging in the elections; mysterious silence of the ECP over the issue is beyond comprehension; vows that his party will go to any extent to make public this technical rigging. (Majority of papers)
• PTI Chief Imran Khan strongly condemns the murder of PTI leader Zohra Shahid Hussain; holds MQM responsible for the murder; also  holds British government responsible, saying, he has earlier warned them to act against Altaf Hussain after his open threats to kill PTI workers. (Majority of papers)
• Army explains Kayani-Nawaz meeting; CBMs offered to political system; an official on anonymity tells, the meeting was basically arranged to prevent any suspicions and doubts in any quarter that there was any threat to democracy or the newly elected leadership, report Shaaheen Sehbai. (News)
• Petroleum Ministry warns that power shortages may worsen in the summer season; cites a severe shortage of fuel oil for the impending shortfall, as suppliers move to cut off provisions due to non-payment of past dues. (The Express Tribune)
• PEPCO says, electricity shortfall has increased to 6200 MW; demand crosses 16000 MW. (Majority of papers)
• Pakistan’s outgoing Ambassador to US Sherry Rahman asks Washington to end drone strikes in the tribal areas; urges Pak-US cooperation in bilateral trade. (Majority of papers)
• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reportedly decided to expedite finalization of an agreement on encouragement and reciprocal protection of investment. (Business Recorder)
• Pakistan is set to become the fifth Asian country to use China’s domestic satellite navigation system. (Majority of papers)
• MQM Coordination committee condemns killing of 2 MQM sympathizers in Karachi; says, MQM is receiving threats from Layari gang war after MQM’s recent success in elections; claims, situation in Karachi is being worsened through a planned conspiracy. (Nawa-e-Waqt)
• British High Commissioner Adam Thomson to Pakistan called on PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif at his Lahore residence and discuss bilateral cooperation between the two coutnries. (Majority of papers)
• PTI leader Makhdoom Javed Hashmi says, his party considers new provinces vital for the solidarity of the country; claims, his party can win 3 to 4 Karachi seats if re-polling is held; tells LB polls in KP will be held within 90 days. (Nation, Pakistan Today)
• PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif refuse to accept Jamshid Dasti’s conditions for joining their party. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif accepts the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari for participation in a banquet being hosted in honour of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang  at Presidency on May 22. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif says, his party has devised a comprehensive plan to steer national institutions like PIA, Pakistan Railways and Steel Mills out of crises; tells, PML-N government will heal the wounds of people, inflicted by former President Pervez Musharraf and President Asif Ali Zardari during last 13 years. (Majority of papers)
• MQM Chief Altaf Hussain condemns the murder of PTI leader Zohra Shahid Hussain in Karachi; demands of the government to arrest the killers and punish them according to law. (Majority of papers)
• PPP leader Mir Baz Khetran says, brave decisions of the President Asif Ali Zardari on IP gas pipeline and Gwadar Port annoyed international establishment and led to PPP’s defeat; accuses personnel of Frontier Corps for involvement in Balochistan election irregularities. (Business Recorder, Dawn)
• No easy way for Gen. (Rtd) Musharraf; complainant in judges’ detention case withdraws yet no bail for former President, report by Kashif Abbasi. (Pakistan Today)
• Defeat in Rawalpindi district: All is not well between Nisar and the Sharifs; Nisar not included in meetings with Gen. Kayani, US, UK and Saudi envoys; Nawaz and Shahbaz unhappy with Nisar for mishandling of tickets in Rawalpindi district, report by Tayyab Hussain. (Pakistan Today)
• Civil-Military ties: In a ‘bold move’ Gen. Kayani shows support for Nawaz; Shahbaz Sharif takes charge of military-related affairs, report by Abdul Manan. (The Express Tribune)
• Carving out Seraiki province a big challenge for PML-N, report by Abrar Saeed. (Nation)
• ISI Chief also wants to meet Nawaz Sharif, report by Ansar Abbasi. (News)
•  World Bank report says, Pakistan’s 60 percent population is living below poverty line. (Business Recorder)
• US President Barrack Obama trims his funding request for the war in Afghanistan and other overseas operations by 10 percent. (Majority of papers)
• Russia boosts its naval presence in Syria; sends regime new missiles. (Pak. Observer)
• Kashmir Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Gilani  writes letter to PML-N Chief and urges him not to ‘bargain’ aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir people during negotiations with India. (Pak. Observer)
• US State Department spokesperson says, US President has assured cooperation to Nawaz Sharif; US expects stability in Pakistan after takeover by the next elected government. (Nawa-e-Waqt)
• Saudi government reduces Umra quota for Pakistanis by 90 percent. (Ausaf, Khabrain)
• Paul Bhatti, brother of assassinated federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti speaks at Vatican rally; meets Pope Francis. (Dawn)
• US Senate arm Services Committee Chairman Senator Carl Levin says, US may keep a force of 6000 to 12000 troops in Afghanistan after 2014. (Pak. Observer)
• COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani held a three and a half hour long discussion with PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif and exchanged views on internal and external security issues confronting the country, especially the Karachi situation, terror attacks in different parts of the country and drone attacks in the tribal areas; reportedly also discussed the issue of future of former President Pervez Musharraf; both wanted harmonious working in state institutions

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• President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned a session of the Senate on Thursday (May 23) at 10:00 am in the Parliament House; Presidential spokesman Farthatullah Babar says, visiting Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang will address the session. (Majority of papers)
• Caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso while ordering the concerned authorities to release 51 Indian fishermen on humanitarian grounds as a gesture of goodwill; hoped that Indian government would reciprocate the gesture and release the Pakistani prisoners incarcerating in Indian jails. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N leader Ch. Nisar Ali Khan expresses concern over the statement of MQM Chief; asks government to send a team of lawyers to Britain against Altaf; expresses surprise at caretakers, institutions’ silence over Altaf’s statement. (Majority of papers)
•  Afghans voice wariness of Pakistan’s Sharif: (The Washington Post)
•  Sarabjit’s lawyer freed after brief kidnapping: (Hindustan times)
•  6 suspects arrested in Gilani’s son kidnapping case in Pak: (Hindustan times)
•  Taliban hint at truce with Sharif govt: (The Times of India)
•  Taliban suicide blast in Afghanistan ‘targeted NATO advisers’: (The Guardian)
• Bowling a dot ball: (Hindustan Times)
•  Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production decides to probe KPT, POA land deals with DHA in detail. (Daily Times)
• Water and Power Ministry says, power shortfall has climbed to over 5500 MW, causing acute hours load-shedding countrywide; separately Caretaker Water and Power Minister Musaddiq Malik says, power generation has been dropped owing to short supply of fuel and gas to Thermal Power Plants. (News)
• PTI Chief while talking to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Adam Thomson who enquired after his health on telephone urged the High Commissioner to take action against Altaf Hussain for his statements under the British Law. (Majority of papers)
• NEPRA raises power tariff by Rs. 5.8 per unit for domestic and commercial consumers. (Majority of papers)
• IHC suspends the orders to send PEMRA ED Abdul Jabbar back to PTA; directs PEMRA Chairman and other respondents to submit their replies within two weeks. (Majority of papers)
• ECP dismisses a plea of MQM for re-election in NA-250; instead sticks with its earlier decision of re-polling at select polling stations; asks for deployment of military personnel in the polling stations during re-polling at 43 polling stations on May 19. (Majority of papers)
• Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar says, President Asif Ali Zardari has no intention to resign before the expiry of his constitutional term. (Pak. Observer)
• ANP spokesman Zahid Khan says, his party Chief has stopped his Balochistan leader and MP-elect Zamarak Khan from joining provincial government; separately Zamarak Khan announces his unconditional support to PML-N. (Frontier Post, The Express Tribune)
• PTI leader Shah Mehamood Qureshi says, ECP is not taking notice of rigging in NA-230 (Tharparker) despite his repeated reminders; tells, his party will not vote for Nawaz Sharif in NA. (Majority of papers)
• MQM leader Raza Haroon says, his party will boycott holding of re-elections in selected polling stations of NA-250 following rejection by ECP to the MQM’s request to hold re-elections in the entire NA-250 constituency; separately MQM leader Farooq Sattar also insists that re-polling should be done in all polling stations of the NA-250. (Majority of papers)
• Caretakers behaving like big players, making major changes, report by Ansar Abbasi. (News)
• Afghanistan reportedly asks India to supply it lethal weapons ahead of Hamid Karzai’s visit to India next week, report. (Majority of papers)
• US Assistant Defence Secretary Michael Sheehan testifies before US Senate Armed Services Committee; says, Pentagon sees no need to change the broad congressional authorization under which the military conducts lethal drone strikes against terrorist targets. (Majority of papers)
• Russian Ambassador to Kabul says, his country is considering to deploy border guards on the Tajik-Afghan border once NATO-led troops withdraw from Afghanistan in the face of possible instability. (Pak. Observer)
• 2 Pakistani truckers killed in Afghanistan by unidentified gunmen. (News)
• A Delhi court grants former Hizbul Mujahideen militant Mr. Shah a rare bail. (Dawn)
• Car bomb blast in Kandhar left 7 dead. (Frontier Post)
• India approves a proposal to send a delegation comprising pro-India members of the so-called Kashmir legislature to Pakistan as a goodwill gesture, report. (News)
• A survey jointly conducted by Washington Post and British newspaper ‘Daily Mail’ establishes that people in Pakistan are remarkably tolerant. (News)
• All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran leader Naeem Mir wants Shahbaz Sharif as Energy Minister. (Majority of papers)
• Production of major crops declines; Food Security and Research Ministry official tells, Pakistan misses production targets of important crops. (Business Recorder)
• Pakistan hit hard by targeted cyber attack out of India, report. (Nation)
• Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt visits Nigerian Air Force Headquarters and meets his Nigerian counterpart. (Business Recorder)
• Nowshera Police claims to have arrested the gang chief of the kidnappers of Ali Haider Gilani. (Majority of papers)

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• Afghan President Hamid Karzai in his telephonic conversation with President Asif Ali Zardari discussed regional situation as well as bilateral relations between the two countries. (Majority of papers)
• Unofficial results of the general elections put PML-N on top of the list with 126 NA seats; PTI gets 32, PPP 31, MQM 17, JUI 10 and independents grab 29 seats. (News)
• Caretaker Prime Minister has reportedly refused to accord approval to the appointment of 12 Ambassadors abroad; advised Foreign Office to submit the recommendations for appointment(s) of the Ambassadors to the elected Prime Minister. (Jang)
• ECP Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad Khan says, no one can tamper with the election results; delay in results of some national and provincial assemblies is due to incomplete legal process which will be completed soon
• CEC Justice (Rtd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim revisits Karachi to assess problems; congratulates the nation for holding most transparent, free and fair elections. (Business Recorder, News)
• JUI-F’s Fazlur Rahman telephones PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif and congratulates him on PML-N’s victory on majority of seats; both discuss on a joint strategy to form government in KP; separately Maulana says, his party will cooperate with Nawaz Sharif in the Centre. (Majority of papers)
• APML managed to win a seat each in the NA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly from Chitral. (Daily Times)
• PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif in an interview to an Indian channel says, whether New Delhi invited him or not, he would pay a visit to India; try to repair relations with India through resolution of Kashmir issue; separately PML-N Chief tells a British newspaper that he will not pull back on the fight against Al-Qaeda and Taliban; hopes to reach an agreement with Washington on drone strikes; tells, he has the experience of working with US. (Majority of papers)
• Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Saudi Arabia’s Dy. Prime Minister Prince Maqran bin Abdul Aziz, Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ameers of Qatar and Kuwait and leaders of UAE felicitate Nawaz Sharif on victory of his party in the general elections; Indian Premier  invites Nawaz Sharif to visit India at mutually convenient time; US President Barrack Obama congratulates Pakistan on its parliamentary elections and says, Washington is ready to work ‘as equal partners’ with the government that emerges. (Majority of papers)
• MQM Chief Altaf Hussain says, his party is being pushed to the wall and abhorrence is being spread against the party; demands the establishment either acknowledge the mandate of Karachi and its people or separate it from the country; alleges that some TV channels are not showing pro-MQM rally; reject allegations of rigging. (Daily Times, News, Dawn)
• PTI supporters in Lahore and Karachi take to the streets in protest against the unexpected results of some of the constituencies in favour of opponents’ candidates. (Majority of papers)
• Victorious N mulling over cabinets; Shahbaz to return to Punjab CM House; Ishaq Dar, Ch. Nisar, Khawaja Asif, Mehtab, Ahsan to get key posts, report by Sajid Zia and Javaid-ur-Rahman. (Nation)
• The dynamics of President’s re-election: Zardari stands no chance in the numbers game, report by Tariq Butt. (News, Jang)
• Indian Navy commissions its first fighter squadron. (Pakistan Today)
• Afghan government deploys additional forces in Goshta district of Nangarhar province putting hundreds of border police, army and quick reaction force on stand by alongside Pak-Afghan border in the area. (Pak. Observer)
• India’s BJP spokesperson hails democratic transition in Pakistan; expresses hope that the new government will further strengthen the process of improving ties with India. (Pak. Observer)
• Imran Khan’s ex-wife Jemima Khan in a twitter message says, PTI seems to be all set to form government in KP; lauds Pakistanis for turning out to vote in the face of terror threats. (Frontier Post)
• Western media describes as ‘undemocratic’ the expulsion of New York Times Pakistan Bureau Chief Declan Walsh from Pakistan on the eve of voting. (News)
• UK says, Pakistan’s new government under Nawaz Sharif can begin to tackle the country’s ‘very serious challenges’ following a successful and sound elections. (News)
• EU observer to Pakistan Michael Gahler expresses satisfaction over the election process in Pakistan. (News)

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By

 Waheed Hamid

 Pakistan went for elections 2013 with a debate that is Pakistan a nation on collapse and a failed state. Pakistan ranked number 12 on a list of the “most failed states”,  published in annual report of Foreign Policy magazine in 2011.The amount of corruption, misdirected leadership and forecasting of intellectuals would have synergized for a normal nation to actually collapse but what keeps Pakistan from sinking remains a question unanswered.  Stories of Taliban ruling  Islamabad and  taking control of  country’s nuclear weapons to threaten the world are not old but time has proved them to be far from TRUTH. The truth of brilliant upcoming generation in form of enthusiastic young force “Janoon” with Arfa Karim Randhawa and eight year old Uzair Jaswal beating Microsoft experts somewhere remain on low burner. The election 2013 witnessed youngsters persuading old parents who never voted in their life to come out and vote for Pakistan.  However, the failing infrastructure and absence of good governance,  corruption cases, prolonged electricity shutdowns, declining economic and social indicators keep   strengthening   the gloomy  perceptions. How many have really researched to find truth remains a simmering question. In 2006, 30 terrorist attacks, including 10 of a sectarian nature, took place, leaving 100 people dead and 230 others injured. In 2007, 34 terrorist attacks and clashes, including suicide attacks, killings, and assassinations, resulted in 134 casualties and 245 injuries, according to the PIPS security report. Pakistan faced 20 suicide attacks (mostly targeted at security forces) during 2007, at least 111 were killed, besides injuring another 234 people. The statistics show a progressive increase in extremist activities starting from 2006 and sudden decline in the recent  years.  After  success of Swat operation and settlement of displaced people of Swat the violence fell by 60 per cent in the second half of 2009, compared with the first half. Overall the sense of security in Pakistan improved. In IRI polls the number of people saying that they felt less secure fell from 78 percent to 60 percent in the March 2009 poll, while the number saying that they felt more secure rose from 19 to 38 percent. This was further augmented by a survey of  Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) which said the number of violent incidents and terror attacks in Pakistan fell by 11 per cent during 2010, compared to 2009.  The security force did it what analysts thought was not achievable.

Despite long stand off the solution of NATO supply route issue  proved that Pakistan stands as the most logical and economical out let to the world in this region.  Despite serious differences with world powers operating in Afghanistan the U.S leadership finds Pakistan, the most important country. Hillary Clinton said in a press conference that  “I’m sure we will continue to have our ups and downs. But this relationship is simply too important to turn our back on — for both nations”.  Nature has gifted Pakistan to become a challenge for the world and it is only Pakistanis which can convert this challenge into opportunity. The successful conduct of elections and the quantum of  increase in turnout show seriousness of the Nation to address National issues. It has been a large cross- section of  individuals in Pakistan, the expatriates  and the business community which are directly and silently contributing to  the sustainability and strength of a future looking prosperous Pakistan.  This silence has to be broken  and translated  for enhancing national pride  and individual motivation by giving recognition to the silent Patriots.

The shortfall  in power is not only at top agenda for the government , One of the largest urea manufacturing public limited business  in Pakistan has recently come up with Pakistan’s first wind power 50 MW electricity generation project  in District Thatta, Sindh  to help Pakistan overcome power shortage . The wind turbines  and electrical equipment have already arrived at site, successfully installed and will start functioning  in few months. This pilot Project,  shall not only provide cleaner sustainable energy and help address electricity shortage in the country but will open avenues for alternate energy systems in Pakistan.  Unfortunately, a Pakistani  cries and bleeds at hands of corrupt practices which effects majority of society. Few benefit and successfully make others hostage to this corrupt culture. These few play with emotions of majority from rich as well as poor segments of society and use tools and techniques to convince that progress only lies in moving in line with the corrupt culture. The government will have to identify and synergize the efforts  of individuals , professionals, institutions and industries running in right direction and support them. Pakistan  has seen Crisis and pressures which has  helped foster a change in its politics. The political setup seen after the election has a natural system of check and balance and it provides a strong hope to the nation .  Imran And Nawaz both have the opportunity at National and provincial level. The time will prove how they utilize and deliver.

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• President Asif Ali Zardari on the advice of the Prime Minister has approved the  Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013;   the Ordinance provides that any person who violates any of the provisions of the code of conduct already issued by the Election Commission shall be punishable with fine which may extends to Rs. 0.1 million. (Majority of papers)
• ECP admits failure to hold free and fair elections in Karachi; decides to hold fresh polling at 42 polling stations in NA-250 Karachi. (Majority of papers)
• Leaders and notables turn-up at polling stations to cast vote; CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry cast his vote in Quetta; COAS General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani cast his vote in NA-54 Rawalpindi; CEC Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim cast his vote in Defence Karachi; PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif cast his vote at NA-199 Lahore. (Majority of papers)
• Strikes, threats mar Balochistan polling; largely peaceful balloting in Punjab; voters defy threats in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to turn-up at polling stations in large numbers. (Majority of papers)
• PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif invites all parties to sit with him to solve country’s problems; asked all losers to join hands with him for the betterment of the country;
• Nawaz Sharif returns to power; PML-N clean sweeps in Punjab; all set to form government in Centre; PTI front runner in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; ANP wiped out; PPP reduced to Sindh. (All papers)
• PTI Information Secretary Dr. Shireen Mazari said, PTI will not form an alliance with the PPP or the PML-N. (Pakistan Today)
• General elections saw many upsets as many heavy weights in different political parties faced defeat in their strongholds; former Premier Raja Pervez Ashraf suffered crushing defeat by Raja Javed Ikhlas of PML-N; PTI Chief Imran Khan washed away ANP’s Ghulam Ahmad Bilour; Shah Mehmood Qreushi lost seat to PML-N’s Abdul Ghaffar Dogar; PPP-S Chief Aftab Sherpao lost to PTI candidate; Asfandyar Wali Khan, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Qamar Zaman Kaira and Firdous Ashiq Awan also defeated. (Majority of papers
• TMQ stages sit-in against elections; TMQ Chief Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri accuses ECP of paving way for bogus degree holders and corrupt people, who would return to power; PAT committed to uproot status quo. (Majority of papers)
• Army deployment fails to ensure trouble-free polls in Karachi: Report. (Pakistan Today)
• Fate of President Asif Ali Zardari and Provincial Governors uncertain; Nawaz will make history by becoming PM for third time,  report by Ashraf Mumtaz. (Nation)
• Government of Pakistan ordered the New York Times Bureau Chief Declan Walsh in Islamabad to leave the country on the eve of national elections due to undesirable activities. (Majority of papers)
• A US lawmaker Paul A. Gosar has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to limit US aid to Pakistan and four other countries. (Nation, Pakistan Today)
• The committee to protect journalists, a New York based watchdog body has called on Pakistan’s interim government to reverse its decision to expel New York Times Bureau Chief Declan Walsh from the country. (Nation)
• American print and electronic media is highlighting the election-related development in Pakistan, with major newspapers pointing out that the two main contenders for power – Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan – had pledged to limit US influence in the South Asian country. (Pakistan Today)
• Frontier Post: “The nation eludes TTP threats” Notwithstanding the TTP threats, Pakistani voters thronged polling stations across the country on Saturday barring three bomb blasts in Karachi and sporadic violent incidents here and there, overall atmosphere during the polling remained peaceful. The credit of holding the elections in the country goes to the Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Kayani Pakistan who made judicious use of his forces across Pakistan to hold the general elections
• Munir Akram (Dawn): “Foreign policy challenges” The new government emerging from yesterday’s elections will face difficult domestic problems. The external challenges it will confront are equally daunting. The most urgent foreign policy challenges could be summed up in three words, Afghanistan, America, India

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