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World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Rankings Place Pakistan Near the Bottom In the recently released World Economic Forum's (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index for 2024, Pakistan has once again ranked among the lowest-performing countries, casting a spotlight on the nation's underutilized tourism potential. The biennial report, which assesses the travel and tourism environment across 117 economies, placed Pakistan at a dismal 107th position.  Pakistan's Persistent Struggle in the Rankings This low ranking is not a new phenomenon for Pakistan. In the previous edition of the WEF report in 2022, the country ranked 83rd out of 117 countries, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by the tourism sector. The latest rankings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize the development of this crucial industry. Factors Contributing to the Low Ranking The WEF report evaluates countries based on four key pillars: Enabling Env

IMF Pushes For Increased Revenue Measures The upcoming federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 is expected to bring an unpleasant surprise for consumers across the country. According to multiple government sources, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has demanded a 1% increase in the general sales tax rate as part of its conditions for the ongoing $6.5 billion loan program. Background: Pakistan's Economic Woes Pakistan's economy has been grappling with severe challenges, including a ballooning current account deficit, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and soaring inflation. To address these issues, the government sought assistance from the IMF, which agreed to provide a 39-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) worth $6.5 billion in 2019. However, the release of subsequent tranches has been subject to the implementation of various fiscal and structural reforms, including measures to increase tax revenues and reduce the fiscal deficit.  Burden on Consumers The proposed 1% in

  A warning about Congo fever has been given by the government after a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) case was reported. The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), known as Congo fever, is a tick-borne virus that can be lethal. The disease has been confirmed in PK, and this raises fears not only among health authorities but also among ordinary citizens. The First Reported Case The initial case of the Congo fever in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A patient middle-aged man came to a local clinic with a symptom of high fever, severe headache, and bleeding. After doing multiple tests, doctors found that he had Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. The patient is in the health care unit at this time, and health officials are keeping a close eye on him. What is Congo Fever? Congo fever is a disease caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected ticks and livestock. The Hyalomma tick which can bite cows, sheep, and goats is the main vector of t

UAE President Pledges $10 Billion Investment in Pakistan TERBAT — UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: In what is one of the largest announcements in terms of economic expansion between the two nations, UAE President has reportedly promised a mammoth investment injection worth $10 billion into Pakistan. It is a historic promise which will change the ties between Pakistan and China for good with opportunities to expand growth economically in Pakistani economy. The visit was high official with the President meeting top Pakistani leadership, highlighting value of ties for both countries in a strategic way. For Pakistan, the sheer magnitude of this investment is a vote of confidence in our economic future, as well as an indication that UAE wants to construct meaningful partnerships for collective development across the region. Energy sector also has a place in the investment plan; it responds to the constant problems of energy in Pakistan and contributes to energy security. The inves