Islamabad, MTT News Desk: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday questioned impact of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) on poverty reduction initiatives.

BISP claims to be a good poverty reduction tool while a probe revealed an altogether story, it said.

In fact, Benezir Income Supporr Programme (BISP) has remained a political tool since its beginning in 2008 which has invited criticism from many quarters, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President Add a comment

Islamabad, MTT News Desk: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday lauded the government for taking steps aimed at addressing the genuine concerns of rice farmers and exporters.

The concerns of growers, exporters and other stakeholders came to limelight following the decision of the government to liberalise the import of agricultural products from India.

Trade liberalisation could have resulted in onslaught of cheap rice from India hurting local sector which is employing millions and generating around two billion dollars per annum for country, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He said that Pakistan is following free market economy rules in rice trade while India is heavily subsidising many agricultural products including rice.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that India agricultural subsidies surpass USD 30 billion while subsidies in Pakistan are said to be around 500 million dollars.

Keeping the situation in view, the Commerce ministry has taken all the stakeholders on board and proposals are being finalised which would be soon sent to National Tariff Commission to impose countervailing duty on Indian rice.

Such a decision will mitigate the negative effect of import of Indian rice in Pakistan and ensure level playing field for all stakeholders, Dr. Murtaza Mughal observed.

Earlier, government had refused to include Indian rice varieties in the negative list despite several requests from concerned quarters which resulted in uncertainty among rice stakeholders, he said.

Pakistan rice sector needs government support to survive and retain their share in markets of Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, and some other destinations, he said.

It is unlikely that India, despite criticism by World Bank and other bodies, would withdraw subsidies reaching to 14 per cent of GDP.

Similarly, Pakistan has no plans to pay any grants to farmers or ensure provision of inputs like fertiliser, diesel, and electricity on rates matching that of India, therefore every facet of trade liberalisation needs thorough study, he demanded.

Srinagar, MTT News Desk: In Occupied State of Jammu & Kashmir (OSJK), a detained woman and her newborn died due to negligence of authorities.

The deaths prompted the relatives of the victim woman and her baby to stage a protest demonstration against the authorities in Poonch district.

Zaina Bibi, wife of Muhammad Sharif of Salwa village in Poonch district, was belatedly shifted to a hospital after she developed Add a comment

Vienna, MTT News Desk: The 21st Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opened today with speakers acknowledging that transnational organized crime is one of the 21st century’s key challenges and a threat to sustainable development and the rule of law.

In a message from the President of the General Assembly, the Chef de Cabinet of the President of the General Assembly, Dr. Mutlaq Al-Qahtani, noted that drugs and crime are an impediment to the social and economic development of all countries in today's Add a comment

Islamabad, MTT News Desk: Prominent business leader of Islamabad Malik Sohail Hussain has been appointed as Chairman, Diplomatic, Media and Public Relations Affairs for FPCCI Capital Office Islamabad for the year 2012.

The appointment was made by President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani. FPCCI has issued a notification in this regard.

His appointment is reflective of the confidence reposed in him by Add a comment